Researchers have made a breakthrough that could potentially change the way endometriosis is treated and thus improve the health of women living with the painful condition.

In particular, scientists at the Royal Gynecological Hospital in Sydney cultured tissue from each known type of endometriosis, observing changes and comparing their response to treatment. This means that researchers can differentiate treatments for different types of endometriosis by determining whether a woman will need fertility treatment.

Jason Abbott, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Royal Sydney Women’s Hospital, said the development is comparable to what was done in the treatment of breast cancer three decades ago. He said the discovery means different types of endometriosis will be treated more effectively, similar to breast cancer.

“Thirty years ago we treated all types of breast cancer the same way,” she said. “Now we know that there are many different types of breast cancer and we are treating them accordingly. Knowing the type of endometriosis, we will be able to predict the likelihood of a patient developing an aggressive, invasive form of the disease and suggest treatment to preserve her fertility,” he emphasized.

According to experienced gynecologists, endometriosis is a chronic disease, which is estimated to affect approximately 2-10% of women of reproductive age (15-45 years). Occurs when the endometrium, i.e., the tissue surrounding the inner surface of the uterus, is found outside it, most often in the abdominal cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines. This displaced tissue results in distortion of the normal organ anatomy and damage that responds to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue lining the uterus does: each month, the tissue grows, breaks down, and sheds off. And if normally this specific process ends with menstrual blood flow, then with endometriosis, the blood cannot find a normal outlet. This causes internal bleeding and inflammation.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are pain in various places in the lower pelvis, which patients usually describe as unbearable. The pain manifests itself during or during intercourse or is permanent. It may also have local symptoms. Depending on the affected organ, symptoms may be focal (eg, pain when urinating with or without blood in the urine). It can also be the cause of violations of the female cycle.

According to the Guardian