Özge Özkaya, PhD
Özge has a Phd in Molecular Biology and several years experience working as a bench scientists. She has been working in science communication since 2014.
Global Endometriosis Burden in Decline
Over the past three decades, the global burden of surgically confirmed endometriosis has shown a steady decline, reflecting advances in awareness, diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure. However, this apparent progress conceals a more complex picture: while per-capita rates have fallen, the total number of women affected worldwide continues to rise, driven by population growth and persistent regional inequalities. In a comprehensive analysis published in BMJ Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, Li and collegues examined data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 project across 204…
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Endometriosis Still Diagnosed Late, Despite National Awareness Efforts
There are still significant delays in the diagosis of moderate and severe endometriosis, particularly among younger patients, despite ongoing efforts by public health authorities to increase awareness of the disease. This conclusion comes from a new study by researchers in France, published in the Journal of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Human Reproduction. The authors emphasize that more research is needed to determine the long-term impact of the French National Endometriosis Public Health Plan, launched in February 2022 to improve awareness among healthcare professionals and…
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Three Percent of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals Have Endiometriosis
Endometriosis affects 3.1% of transgender and gender diverse individuals, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. “This finding differs from previous literature as it reports a lower prevalence compared to cisgender women and to other studies on [transgender and gender diverse] people,” the authors if the studyt noted. “This is potentially due to prolonged use of testosterone and early initiation of gender-affirming care”. To analyze the prevalence of surgically confirmed endometriosis in transgender and gender diverse…
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Fewer Non-White Women Are Referred to a Pelvic Pain Specialist
Black women with endometriosis receive more hormonal treatment, pain medication, and surgical treatment compared to non-Black women, found a new study conducted using data from an integrated health care system. However, the rate of referral to a pelvic pain specialist was lower among all women who were not White. This, the authors of the study said, underscores “the need to better understand care allocation”. To evaluate racial disparities in endometriosis management, a team of researchers from the Department of Obstetrics and…
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Study Points to Polygenic Etiology in Familial Endometriosis
A team of researchers from Italy identified new genes that may be associated with endometriosis. The team analyzed a multi-generational family affected by the disease. Their findings support a polygenic model of the disease, i.e., a model where more than one gene is involved, the researchers explained “Our study is an exploratory family-based . . . study, and replication and functional studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings,” they wrote in a report that they published in the scientific journal…
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Uncovering a New Molecular Driver in Endometriosis
The transcription factor SOX18 (SRY-related high-mobility group box 18) has been identified as a key contributor to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine by a team from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China. Endometriosis is already known to be associated with elevated SOX18 expression in ectopic compared with eutopic endometrial tissue. In this study, Dr. Jiayan Wu and colleagues investigated the expression pattern of SOX18 in women with…
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Inflammation, Analgesic Use, and Pelvic Pain: Evidence From Women With and Without Endometriosis
Pain during intercourse and pain with bowel movements are associated with inflammatory markers in women without endometriosis, found a new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. On the other hand, the link between symptoms of pelvic pain and inflammatory markers in women with endometriosis differed based on the use of painkillers. “The complex relationship between inflammation and pelvic pain, including among those without a diagnosis of endometriosis, warrants further research,” the authors of the study said. The…
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New Study Analyzes Burden of Endometriosis
The burden of endometriosis has decreased globally between 1990 and 2021, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Surgery, mainly due to population growth and epidemiologic change. However, there are still significant disparities, especially in regions with a low sociodemographic index. “It is necessary to develop better policies and preventive measures to effectively address the range of problems associated with endometriosis,” the auhtors of the study concluded. To assess the prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years of…
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Employment as an Independent Predictor of Pain and Well-being in Endometriosis
Employment status is a key predictor of health-related quality of life in women with endometriosis, according to a new study in Gynecological Endocrinology. Beyond pain, factors such as professional identity and social integration appear to significantly shape the disease burden. In this cross-sectional study, Dr. Nicola Pluchino and colleagues from Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, assessed 324 women with endometriosis, mean age 32. Most participants (78.2%) had deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and over one-third (34.5%) had undergone prior surgery. Nearly two-thirds…
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Pelvic MRI May Support Laparoscopy in Endometriosis Management
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Enzian classification system “offers a structured method” to test for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), according to a new study published in the scientific journal Gynechologic and Obsteric Investigation. However, it has limited accuracy for peritoneal or parametrial lesions. To test the accuracy of pelvic MRI interpreted using the Enzian classification system for the diagnosis of endometriosis, a team of researchers led by Dr. Avishalom Sharon from Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University in Safed…
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Soy Consumption and Endometriosis Prevention
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that regular consumption of soy-based foods may help lower the risk of developing endometriosis—particularly among women without a history of infertility. This supports the growing interest in dietary strategies for managing hormonally driven gynecologic conditions. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health examined data from 82,084 premenopausal women, aged 27 to 44, participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Over the study period, 3,829…
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Symptoms Offer Clues in Endometriosis Management
Non-invasive imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are valuable for identifying deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and ovarian endometriomas. However, these tools often fail to detectperitoneal lesions, which can also cause significant symptoms. A new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics highlights the potential of symptom questionnaires as an initial step to guide the diagnosis of endometriosis, and referrals for surgical evaluation. Researchers retrospectively analyzed preoperative questionnaires from 233 patients with surgically and histologically confirmed endometriosis, classified using the…
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Endometriosis Patients Endorse Early Education Programs
Patients with endometriosis strongly support personalized therapeutic patient education programs from the time of diagnosis onwards, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. When they compared the expectation of patients and the point of view of professionals, the auhtors of the study found that healthcare professionals involved in the management of endometriosis were legitimate in setting up endometriosis therapeutic patient education programs. However, there is still a need to develop flexible and tailored…
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Enhanced Recovery Protocols in Deep Endometriosis Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols may offer significant benefits for patients undergoing complex procedures for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), according to a meta-analysis recently published in Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn. The study found that ERAS programs reduced hospital stays without increasing postoperative complications or readmission rates. Led by Dr. Athanasios Protopapas from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the research team analyzed data from four comparative studies involving 1,662 patients. They reported that ERAS implementation shortened the average…
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Double Circular Stapler Technique: A Safe and Effective Approach for Colorectal Deep Endometriosis
The double circular stapler technique (DCST) offers a safe and effective minimally invasive option for managing colorectal deep endometriosis, according to a long-term follow-up study published in PLOS ONE. Led by Dr. Marlon de Freitas Fonseca from the Crispi Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, the Brazilian team analyzed outcomes in 43 women treated with DCST between 2010 and 2021. The study found no conversions to open surgery, no need for blood transfusions or ostomies, and no…
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Unseen Burden: Pelvic Health in Australian Female Soldiers
A new study published in Women & Health reveals that pelvic health concerns—beyond lower urinary tract symptoms—are highly prevalent among Australian female military personnel. Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction were commonly reported. The implementation of sex-responsive health services within military organizations could help overcome potential issues and increase the well-being of the personnel as well as improve their operational readiness and the outcome of operations. To investigate these issues, Dr. Robin Orr and colleagues from Bond University…
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Investigating SEMA3F in Endometriosis Pathogenesis
Semaphorin-3F (SEMA3F), a protein that plays a role as a tumor suppressor, may control the development of endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. It may do so by affecting the proliferation, invasion, and migration of endometrial stromal cells as well as their ferroptosis, or controlled death. This study sheds new light on the biology of endometriosis, potentially opening up new avenues for the development of novel therapies against the disease. To…
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Salivary miRNAs as Biomarkers for Endometriosis
Small molecules called micro-RNAs (miRNAs) found in saliva could be potential biomarkers, not only to detect endometriosis in a non-invasive manner but also to predict the response of the disease to treatment. This promising idea comes from a new study published in Biomolecules, where researchers suggest that a non-invasive saliva test could reduce diagnostic delays and help personalize treatment for women with endometriosis. To explore this possibility, Dr. Giuseppe Vizzielli and his team from the University of Udine in Italy analyzed salivary miRNAs…
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Discoid or Segmental? GI Symptom Recovery Compared
A new study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that nerve- and vessel-sparing segmental resection for deep colorectal endometriosis leads to better long-term gastrointestinal function compared to full-thickness discoid resection. While both surgeries initially improve symptoms, only the segmental resection appears to maintain that improvement over time. Researchers followed 92 women who underwent either segmental or discoid resection between 2017 and 2022. They evaluated outcomes using both the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and a questionnaire…
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Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Shares Genetic Risk with Endometriosis and Fibroids
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common yet underexplored condition affecting millions of women worldwide. It can severely impact quality of life and is often associated with other gynecologic disorders like endometriosis and fibroids. In a recent landmark study published in Blood, researchers led by Dr. Andrew D. Johnson at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute conducted the largest genetic study of HMB to date, involving over 84,000 cases and 598,000 controls from five biobanks across multiple ancestries. Through…
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