How Does Adenovirus Impact Individuals with Endometriosis?

Overview

Adenovirus and endometriosis are two significant health concerns with the potential to impair one's quality of life.^1,2,3 Endometriosis is a relatively common condition that can impact several areas of the reproductive system of people assigned as female at birth (AFAB).³ The condition can have exhausting effects on people’s AFAB life, due to a lack of understanding of its origins, and management.⁴ Thus, scientists worldwide seek novel ways to treat endometriosis. Adenovirus is a viral pathogen that spreads from person to person and causes several health conditions, including respiratory disorders. However, scientists have developed methods to repurpose a modified virus to exclusively kill abnormal cells, including those implicated in endometriosis.¹ This method is known as gene therapy. By now, you’re possibly thinking, “If I am already battling a debilitating chronic reproductive condition, why would I wilfully add a deadly virus to the mix?” This article will examine the impact of both natural adenovirus exposure and gene therapy using adenovirus on individuals with endometriosis, discussing potential drawbacks in linking these effects. 

Understanding endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 6-10% of people AFAB in the general population. Of the global population of people AFAB struggling with chronic pain, infertility, or both, 35-50% of these will have endometriosis.¹ Many people AFAB may experience pain during intercourse; painful, irregular menstrual cycles; difficulty conceiving; and chronic pain.^2,4 As a reproductive disorder, chronic pain and fertility struggles are central to the day-to-day experience of a patient’s life, even in the absence of menstruation.⁴ Endometriosis lesions spread around the body (most commonly, the pelvic region) are known as endometriomas or colloquially as “chocolate cysts.” They are filled with abnormal menstrual blood and may be present alongside endometriosis lesions in areas including:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Cervix 
• Vagina 
• Bladder 
• Rectum
• Bowel 
• Urinary tract 

What you need to know about adenoviruses

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can infect humans.^1,3,5 Adenovirus enters the body, uses the cells to reproduce, and exits to infect others. They are typically contracted through proximity to an infected person and their impact on the host varies. Common symptoms of an adenovirus infection may include respiratory disorders, like common cold and fevers, and the virus can even destroy body cells.⁵ Further in the article, we discuss the impact of adenovirus on endometriosis and its therapeutic use. 

Chain of infection 

The sequence of events that occur before, during, and after coming into contact with a pathogen (disease-causing organism) is called a chain of infection. Definitions and events of an adenovirus infection can be seen in the table below.

Symptoms of an adenovirus infection 

Some common signs of an adenovirus infection include: ⁵ 

• Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) 
• Sore throat 
• Fever 
• Coughing 
• Diarrhoea 

Impact on public health 

Adenovirus outbreaks are not common.⁶ Typically, children and infants are more likely to be affected than adults. If you are a mom with endometriosis, it is more probable that the adenovirus will impact your children than you. The severity of adenovirus infections is generally low, but they can be life-threatening in some cases.^3,5 

How adenovirus impacts endometriosis 

Although a direct understanding of how endometriosis is affected by adenovirus is unclear, it is possible that the classic inflammatory response to viral infection may worsen endometriosis symptoms.⁷ A new set of challenges will be understandably difficult to manage while already suffering debilitating pelvic pain, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), crouching from discomfort and on the verge of tears.

Managing an adenovirus infection with endometriosis 

Regardless of whether you have endometriosis or not, if you suspect you have an adenovirus infection it is important to see a GP. Both adenovirus infections and endometriosis can reoccur after treatment. Therefore, supplementing clinical guidance with learning your body’s individual preferences may be beneficial. 

Adenovirus gene therapy and endometriosis 

The form of adenovirus tested for use in gene therapy for endometriosis is not the same as the natural virus.¹ Treatment with adenovirus is not unique to endometriosis and other uses include cancer management. 

Important considerations 

• The effectiveness of adenoviruses on endometriosis fate varies¹ 
• The use of gene therapy is controversial

Alternative treatment of endometriosis 

Although the use of gene therapy in endometriosis is elusive, hope may lie in oral medication. Treatment with dichloroacetate may relieve symptoms, and reduce the lesions. 

Resources 

If you're dealing with endometriosis and its symptoms like chronic pain, here are some charities that can provide information and support from others in the same situation.

• Endometriosis UK: A UK-based charity that actively aims to reduce the burden on those suffering from endometriosis by decreasing diagnosis time, enabling treatment availability to everyone and providing support
• The Endometriosis Foundation: A source of support and information, and a resource for anyone seeking to understand more about the condition
• World Endometriosis Research Foundation: A global charity aiming to facilitate research and spread awareness of endometriosis
• Endometriosis Cymru: A Welsh information and support charity. Their Symptom Reporting Tool allows you to track your symptoms and treatment history digitally and in print
• Pelvic Pain Support Network: A patient-led support network that provides support and educational sessions to those affected by pelvic pain and encourages research into the disorder
• Endo SOS: The first Scottish charity that helps people AFAB struggling with endometriosis through webinars, support groups, and support sessions

FAQ’s 

Can endometriosis be prevented?

Endometriosis is not something you can catch, like adenoviruses. There are genetic, environmental and anatomical factors that influence its development, although the exact cause is unknown.

Can endometriosis go away by itself? 

Endometriosis may sometimes get better by itself. Symptoms can vary throughout life and between individuals. Some people may not be aware they have the condition, possibly due to a lack of notable symptoms, or believing that the pain they experience is a normal part of the menstrual cycle.

When should I see a doctor? 

Seeing a doctor early is important in endometriosis management to prevent further spreading and worsening of the condition.^2,4 As the condition is often underdiagnosed and many people AFAB experience misdiagnosis, persistence when seeing a doctor is key. 

Summary 

Adenovirus is a common and typically non-fatal virus that can cause common cold symptoms. The virus primarily impacts children and infants. For people AFAB with endometriosis, the virus may exacerbate their symptoms due to the heightened inflammatory response to adenovirus, although this association has been poorly researched.