Endometriosis has recently become one of the most prominent gynecological disorders, prompting many women to inquire about its causes, accompanying symptoms, and its effect on female fertility.
Endometriosis is prevalent among women aged 15 to 45 years. Statistics have shown that approximately 190 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, making it important to understand what endometriosis is and its causes.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting the female reproductive system where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterine cavity, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissues lining the pelvis. In some cases, this tissue can grow on the bladder, intestines, or vagina.
Causes of Endometriosis
The causes of endometriosis are numerous, with the most important being:
- Genetic Factors: A family history of the disease increases the likelihood of inheriting or developing it later. Regular check-ups are recommended in such cases.
- Retrograde Menstruation: This is considered the most common cause of endometriosis. It involves the backward flow of menstrual blood through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, where shed endometrial cells implant and grow outside the uterus.
- Hormonal Changes: Increased estrogen levels can promote the growth of endometrial-like tissue.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Normally, the immune system would attack and eliminate any tissue forming outside the uterus. However, with immune system impairment, it may fail to perform this function, allowing the growth of endometriosis to persist.
- Pelvic Surgeries: Surgeries like C-sections can lead to the attachment of some shed endometrial cells to the pelvic incision site after delivery, after which the tissue begins to grow.
How to Detect Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be suspected by observing the accompanying symptoms, which are the first indicator that prompts the patient to consult a doctor. Knowing the early signs and paying attention to changes in the body helps in detecting it in a timely manner and obtaining the necessary treatment more quickly.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms include:
- Severe pain during menstruation.
- Increased menstrual flow.
- Pain during urination.
- Feelings of frequent fatigue or exhaustion.
- Mood swings and depression.
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen, back, and pelvic region.
- Difficulty conceiving and infertility.
Treatment Methods for Endometriosis and Management
The treatment method depends on the severity of the condition and the size of the endometrial tissue. Some treatment approaches include:
Medication:
- Hormonal therapies like birth control pills and progesterone injections to limit the growth of ectopic tissue and reduce menstrual bleeding.
- Use of pain relievers to manage associated pain and reduce painful cramps.
Surgical Intervention:
- In advanced cases of endometriosis, surgical intervention may be necessary for removal.
Fertility Enhancement:
- In cases of infertility due to endometriosis, using methods to improve chances of pregnancy and childbirth or assisted reproduction like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is recommended.
Endometriosis and Its Impact on Female Fertility
It is one of the most common causes of delayed pregnancy in women and can progress to infertility if not treated promptly. This is because endometriosis can grow on the fallopian tubes, causing blockages that prevent the passage of eggs to the uterine cavity, as well as hindering the passage of sperm to the first third of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs. Additionally, endometriosis causes menstrual cycle disruptions, leading to reduced chances of pregnancy.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Endometriosis
These are the primary conditions that increase the risk of developing endometriosis:
- Advanced age.
- Genetic factors or a family history of the disease.
- Early onset of menstruation in a female's life.
- Frequent retrograde menstruation.
- Presence of disorders in the uterus or pelvic area.
- Women suffering from infertility or reduced chances of conception.
Is Endometriosis Shed During Menstruation
Yes, it is common for endometrial tissue to be shed with menstrual blood in many cases. However, in some instances, it may remain inside the body, potentially forming a cyst on one or both ovaries, known as an endometrioma.
Complications of Endometriosis
Some complications may arise in the advanced stages of endometriosis, including:
- Fertility disorders potentially leading to infertility, due to tissue growth on the fallopian tubes causing blockages.
- Bladder pain due to pressure from endometrial tissue, causing blood in the urine or severe pain during urination.
- Increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Summary of Endometriosis
Finally, endometriosis is one of the most common diseases among women today, and some women may remain undiagnosed for years. Therefore, it is important to recognize its symptoms and causes, as early diagnosis helps in facilitating the treatment plan and preserving a woman's fertility level.