What is endometriosis?

Posted by editor2 on Tuesday 31 Mar 2009

121

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrium elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus; causes premenstrual pain and irregular bleeding, and infertility. Endometrial cells are the similar cells that are usually shed each month during menstruation.

The cells of endometriosis attach to tissue outside the uterus and are known as endometriosis implants. These implants are usually found on the ovaries, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, the Fallopian tubes, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity.

The most common areas for the uterine tissue to grow in endometriosis are the bowel, rectum, bladder, pelvic area, outside of the uterus, on the ovaries and the delicate lining of the pelvis. Even though, it can occur in other parts of the body as well. Seldom, endometriosis implants can occur even outside the pelvis, in old surgery scars, on the liver and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants are usually benign.

Who is affected by endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects women during their reproductive years. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, since many women may have the same condition and have no symptoms.

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and it is the reasons for laparoscopic surgery and hysterectomy. While most women in the age group of 25-35 years, are diagnosed in cases of endometriosis and it has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age. Endometriosis is very rare in postmenopausal women.

Endometriosis is more commonly found in white female as compared with African American and Asian women. Studies further show that endometriosis is most common in thin, taller women with a low body mass index.

Some of the most common risk factors for endometriosis are early onset of menstrual periods, regular menstrual cycles, mother or sister with endometriosis and periods lasting 7 or more days. Delaying pregnancy until an older age is also believed to increase the risk of developing this disease.