Endometriosis is a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This abnormal growth can occur on various organs within the pelvis, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and sometimes the intestines or bladder.
Symptoms of Endometriosis:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Severe menstrual cramps that may begin before and extend several days into the menstrual period.
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia): Pain during or after sex.
- Pain with bowel movements or urination: Often experienced during menstrual periods.
- Excessive bleeding: Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).
- Infertility: Endometriosis is sometimes first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but several theories exist:
- Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body.
- Embryonic cell transformation: Hormones such as estrogen may transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty.
- Surgical scar implantation: After surgeries like a C-section, endometrial cells may attach to the surgical incision.
- Immune system disorders: Problems with the immune system may make the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis can involve a combination of medical history, physical examination, ultrasound, MRI, or laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure).
Treatment options include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, hormone therapies (such as birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists).
- Surgery: To remove as much endometrial tissue as possible, and in severe cases, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
- Lifestyle changes and alternative therapies: Dietary changes, acupuncture, and other alternative treatments may help some individuals.
Endometriosis can be a chronic condition, but with proper management, many people can find relief from their symptoms.
