What is endometriosis?
The endometrium is the specialized lining of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, hormones trigger this lining to thicken with blood vessels. If an egg is fertilized it will implant in this nourishing nest. When an egg is not fertilized, the egg and the lining are shed as menses.
Is some cases, this specialized tissue grows in places other than the inside of the uterus. It may grow on the ovaries, in the bowel or rectum, on the bladder and other pelvic regions. In a few cases, it has been found in areas like the eye or lung.
This tissue is triggered to grow by menstrual cycle hormones no matter where it is. Unlike the lining of the uterus, the tissue in these areas is not shed during menses. The continued growth causes lesions, scarring, and lumps also referred to as nodules or implants.
What are the effects of endometriosis?
The effects of endometriosis are not always straightforward. The location of lesions has much to do with the resulting symptoms. Some women do not experience symptoms at all. Others may believe what they feel is just their personal experience of menstruation.
Classically, it is manifested as pain, in particular, pain that increases over time as lesions thicken and grow. This pain can occur as:
Pelvic pain
Increasingly painful cramping before and during periods
Pain during or after intercourse
Painful orgasms
Pain during bowel movements
Diarrhea and constipation
Painful urination
Bladder pain
Intestinal pain
Vomiting, bloating and nausea
Lower back pain
Heavy menstrual bleeding and spotting between periods are common symptoms of endometriosis.
Fatigue plays a part in endometriosis as chronic pain is debilitating.
Infertility occurs in 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis and desire for sex is often compromised by pain and other symptoms.
What causes endometriosis?
The basis of the disease is a matter of ongoing research.
The retrograde menstruation or transtubal migration theory is based on the idea that menstrual flow backs up through the fallopian tubes and washes into the pelvic cavity carrying endometrial seed cells that grow.
Researchers believe that because this backflow does not create endometriosis in all menstruating women, a faulty immune or hormonal system must play a part in the development of the disease.
This theory does not account for the fact that endometriosis has developed in non-menstruating women and even estrogen-treated men.
The genetic theory has found links based upon heredity. First degree relatives of endometriosis sufferers are likely to develop the disease.
Another theory is that endometrial tissue travels through the blood or lymphatic systems.
The study of embryonic cells has led to a theory that remnants of embryonic tissue remain in the adult body and retain the ability to transform into specialized tissue types and develop.
Recent research by Dr. Sherry Rier has studied the effect of dioxin on endometriosis. Dioxins are chemicals that can act as hormones in our bodies. Dioxins are created by the manufacture of pesticides, solvents, and plastics. They are found in bleached products and womens sanitary products.
Unfortunately, getting pregnant is not an easy task for many couples. With the help of fertility treatments such as IVF, artificial insemination, or fertility drugs, infertility doctors can increase your chance of conceiving a child.
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