Being a proven and internationally recognized expert in the field of endometriosis, Dr Krentel diagnoses and treats patients with this chronic disease, which often goes unrecognized for a long time.
An individualized treatment recommendation is made, taking all personal aspects into account. It is estimated that up to a third of all women in Germany are affected by endometriosis. In most cases, women of childbearing age between 35 and 45 suffer from the non-localized growths of the uterine lining that spread outside the uterine cavity in the abdomen. Due to adhesions with other organs, endometriosis often causes severe menstrual cramps, pain during sexual intercourse, or difficulties with urination or defecation.
Despite the frequency of this disease, on average, between years pass between the first contact with a doctor and the correct diagnosis. Due to the frequency and complexity of this disease, a particular endometriosis consultation hour has been established at the Evangelisches BETHESDA Krankenhaus in Duisburg to ensure an individual diagnosis of the disease.
A detailed patient consultation, a gynecological examination, and ultrasound imaging can often point the way. If possible, further methods such as MRI, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, and hysteroscopy are also available at the site to evaluate the involvement of these organs. In addition to conservative treatment measures such as thermal treatments, endurance sports, physiotherapy exercises, and painkillers as needed to alleviate symptoms, the Endometriosis Center in Duisburg, under the direction of Dr Harald Krentel, offers further treatment approaches.
As the cells of the endometriosis foci are usually stimulated in their growth by the body's cycle-dependent hormone, estrogen, various hormone therapies can be effective. The primary therapeutic goal is always to stop menstruation and suppress estrogen production in the ovaries. The dependence of islet growth on estrogen synthesis is also the cause of a sudden improvement in symptoms with the onset of menopause. For this purpose, progestogens such as the contraceptive Dienogest in tablet form or a Levonorgestrel IUD can be used to reduce the growth of the uterine lining endometrium and consequently also to achieve regression of the displaced endometriosis lesions.
