Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder in which the endometrium (the tissue which lines the uterus) starts to grow outside of the uterus. The condition can affect the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and pelvic tissue. In endometriosis, the tissue growing outside the uterus reacts to hormonal changes in the body during menstruation.
The misplaced endometrium prepares for pregnancy like the normal endometrium, and its walls thicken, grow, and eventually shed. However, since this tissue grows in areas outside the uterus, it has nowhere to go. This causes bleeding inside the pelvis and other issues such as scar tissue formation, irritation, adhesion (binding of the pelvic organs), severe cramps, and problems with fertility.
Endometriosis specialist Ulas Bozdogan MD can provide comprehensive care and treatment options to address these concerns.
What causes endometriosis?
Despite medical advancements, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown. There are various theories regarding its origin and cause:
- Reverse/retrograde menstruation: According to this theory, some tissue flows back into the abdomen through the fallopian tubes. This tissue then attaches itself to the abdomen and grows.
- Another theory states that the lymphatic system (responsible for the movement of lymph throughout the body) transports the endometrial cell outside the uterus.
- Cells in the abdomen can transform and act like endometrial cells. This leads many people to believe that endometriosis can be caused if the cells in the abdomen undergo this transformation.
- One theory states that hormones can turn the cells outside the uterus into endometrial cells.
- A faulty immune system is another possible reason for the development of endometriosis. The reasoning stems from an understanding that a weakened immune system becomes unable to destroy erroneous endometrial cells.
Symptoms of endometriosis:
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- A heavy flow of blood during menstruation
- Painful urination or bowel movement during menstruation
- Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain during menstruation
How to diagnose and treat endometriosis
Your doctor will recommend several tests to diagnose endometriosis. They will begin by recording the patient’s medical history and performing a pelvic exam. Other procedures may confirm the diagnosis:
- Biopsy through laparoscopy
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
Since endometriosis is a chronic condition, there is no cure for it. However, there are various ways to manage the condition:
- Pain medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs
- Hormone therapy, including supplemental hormones or contraceptives
- Surgery, including laparoscopy and hysterectomy
