Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus

. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis implants can occur outside the pelvis, on the liver, in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants, while they can cause problems, are benign (not cancerous).

The endometriosis cells behave in the same way as those that line the womb, so every month they grow during the menstrual cycle and are shed as a bleed.

Normally before a period, the endometrium thickens to receive a fertilised egg, in response to a release of the hormone oestrogen. When pregnancy does not happen, this lining breaks down and leaves the body as menstrual blood (a period).

Endometrial tissue anywhere in the body will go through the same process of thickening and shedding, but it has no way of leaving the body. The endometrial tissue is trapped, which leads to pain, swelling and sometimes damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing fertility problems.

Causes

The cause of endometriosis is unknown though there are a few theories that suggest possible causes. One theory suggests that during menstruation, some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen where it implants and grows. Another theory indicates that it is a genetic birth abnormality in which endometrial cells develop outside the uterus during fetal development.

Symptoms

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Pain may occur with sex, during bowel movements or urination, or just before or during your menstrual cycle. Menstrual bleeding may occur more than once a month. Endometriosis also may cause infertility.

Treatment

Endometriosis can't be cured, but its symptoms can usually be controlled.

Doctors often prescribe birth control pills because they use hormones to prevent ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from an ovary). If a girl doesn't ovulate, then the endometrial implants won't build up as much, and this can make endometriosis less painful.

Endometriosis

By: Cherie Ang CL

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