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Endometriosis

"Endometriosis? Never heard of it." Many people don't know what endometriosis is, even though it's one of the most common abdominal diseases in women. Read about the typical symptoms, causes, effects and treatment options.

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IQWiG is an independent scientific institution in Germany. It is funded through contributions from the German statutory health insurance funds. Its legal responsibilities include the assessment of diagnostic tests and medical treatments. InformedHealth.org is the English-language version of IQWiG’s German website Gesundheitsinformation.de. It provides the general public with independent, ad-free and cost-free information on many common health issues.

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Further topics

Health care in Germany

It is usually not hard to find medical help if you become ill in Germany. There's an extensive network of easily accessible places to go for treatmen...

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Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer nearly always develops as a rare consequence of a long-term infection with particular types of human papillomaviruses (HPV). Screenin...

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Enlarged hemorrhoids

We all have hemorrhoids. They are nothing more than “cushions” of blood vessels and supporting tissue, found at the end of the rectum. Hemorrhoids on...

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Corns

Corns develop when an area of skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. They mainly occur on your toes and on the soles of your feet. If the...

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Heavy periods

While some women hardly have any problems due to their period, others regularly feel tired and unwell. This is often due to pain, but also heavy peri...

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Pain under the foot (plantar fasciitis)

Plantar fasciitis is often the cause of pain in the heel or sole of the foot. It is an inflammation of the band of thick connective tissue beneath yo...

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

If one part of the largest blood vessel in the belly (the abdominal aorta) starts bulging, it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This conditio...

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Abortion in Germany

In Germany, women who decide to have an abortion must comply with certain legal requirements – like mandatory counseling beforehand. Abortions that f...

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Screening

Some screening tests help prevent disease. Many tests haven’t been proven to provide any health benefits. Some actually cause more harm than good. Th...

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Genital herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Herpes virus infections actually don’t often lead to a disease, thou...

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Cold sores

Cold sores lead to the formation of painful blisters around the lips, typically only on one side of the mouth. People who have had a cold sore in the...

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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Typical conjunctivitis symptoms include stuck-together eyelids when you wake up, and red and watery eyes. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are...

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Carpal tunnel syndrome

Most people are familiar with the numb or tingly feeling that their hand has “fallen asleep.” Carpal tunnel syndrome causes similar symptoms, but the...

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Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D keeps your bones strong and sturdy. Your body can produce it with the help of sunlight. People with a vitamin D deficiency have symptoms li...

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Retinal detachment

Flashes of light, shadows or dark spots in your field of vision may be signs of retinal detachment. In this rare condition the retina detaches from t...

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