Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and possible infertility.
The tissue growth (implant) typically occurs in the pelvic area, outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder, and the delicate lining of the pelvis. However, the implants can occur in other areas of the body, too.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. However, there are a number of theories. One suggests that the endometrial cells (loosened during menstruation) may "back up" through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis, where they implant and grow in the pelvic or abdominal cavities. This is called retrograde-menstruation.
Other theories include:
A faulty immune system causes menstrual tissue to implant and grow in areas other than the uterine lining.
Cells lining the abdominal cavity may spontaneously develop endometriosis.
Certain families may have genetic factors that make a woman more prone to endometriosis
Each month the ovaries produce hormones that stimulate the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) to multiply and prepare for a fertilized egg. The lining swells and gets thicker.
If endometrial cells are implanted outside the uterus, or elsewhere, it can cause problems. These cells also respond to the monthly hormone stimulation. Unlike cells normally found in the uterus that fall off during menstruation, the ones outside the uterus stay in place. They sometimes bleed a little bit, but they heal and are stimulated again during the next cycle.
Cyst(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material. Reviewer: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/13/2006
Adenomyosis(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Adenomyosis is uterine thickening that occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, moves into the outer muscular walls of the uterus. Reviewer: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/08/2006
Gynecologic laparoscopy (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Gynecologic laparoscopy refers to a group of minimally invasive surgical procedures which use a small camera to examine the female reproductive organs. See also: Tubal ligation; Pelvic laparoscopy; Hysterectomy. Reviewer: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 09/19/2006
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