Endometriosis is abnormal growth of the tissues lining the uterus. This condition can cause painful symptoms. Let us take a look at the causes, symptoms and treatments for endometriosis.Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues lining the uterus grow abnormally outside the uterus. This tissues are ought to grow inside the uterus but they spread outside the uterus covering the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This condition may cause discomfort to females. Take a detailed look at what is endometriosis, its causes, its symptoms and its treatments right away.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium that normally lines the uterus, is also outside the uterus. Common sites are the ovaries and the ligament supports of the uterus itself. Women with an "ectopic" endometrium will have a period each month, but as there is no escape route for the blood produced, a little blood-filled blister is formed. Each month this will increase in size. Sometimes ovarian endometriosis can form very large cysts filled with old blood.
What are the causes of endometriosis?
The exact causes of endometriosis are unknown. It is suspected that due to retrograde menstruation, endometrial tissues are likely to get deposited in abnormal manner into the abdominal and pelvic cavities via fallopian tubes. But all women coping with retrograde menstruation do not get affected with endometriosis. It is also regarded that the cells comprising the lining of pelvic organs may have ability to develop abnormally into tissues like endometrium. Another possibility is the accidental deposition of endometrial tissues during the time of surgeries like c-section or episiotomy may also result in endometriosis. In rare case endometriosis can also be detected in brain or other organs that are not even close to the pelvis. Such cases are the classic example of transfer of endometrial cells through bloodstream or lymphatic system.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is associated with
infertility. In severe cases, when adhesions are formed, it results in infertility because the motility of the tubes is reduced. In less severe cases, the increased production of prostaglandin by the endometriosis probably interferes with normal tubal and ovarian function. Apart from infertility, other major aspects of this condition are increasingly painful periods sometimes with heavier bleeding, and painful intercourse on deep penetration. Surprisingly, quite a number of women with severe endometriosis have no symptoms at all. On pelvic examination the uterus may be less mobile than usual and even fixed in its position. Sometimes firm, tender nodules can be felt in the pelvic ligaments.
How is endometriosis tested and treated?
When the history and examination suggest the possibility of endometriosis, the definite diagnosis is usually made at laparoscopy. The treatment is either
medical or
surgical.
What are the stages of endometriosis?
Depending on the affected area, extent, amount, severity, size of the endometriosis implants, severity of scar tissue and detection of endometrial implants in the ovaries, endometriosis is classified in four stages i.e; minimal, mild, moderate and severe. These stages are not classified on the basis of symptoms that are experienced by women. Most cases of endometriosis are observed to be minimal or mild which indicate that the implants are not very deep and scaring is not sever. In case of sever scaring and formation of cysts, the condition is classified as moderate or severe. Some women coping with fourth or severe stage of endometriosis may face
difficulties in getting pregnant.
The exact causes of endometriosis are yet to be discovered. Therefore, there are no specific remedies that can be followed to prevent it. So, it is very important to follow a healthy lifestyle and keep yourself healthy and fit to reduce the chances of developing any kind of such disorders.