A chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, and can be found on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus, as well as in other areas of the body. Endometriosis is a common condition that affects women of reproductive age, typically starting in their 20s or 30s, but it can occur at any age.
Here are some key points about endometriosis:
Symptoms:
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Common symptoms include pelvic pain, especially during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pelvic pain during intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination, excessive menstrual bleeding, infertility, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Causes:
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The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood. Several theories exist, including retrograde menstruation (where menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body), immune system disorders, hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, oxidative stress and environmental factors.
Diagnosis:
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Often involves a combination of medical history, pelvic examination, imaging tests (such as ultrasound), and sometimes laparoscopy (a surgical procedure where a thin, lighted instrument is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to visualize the pelvic organs and take tissue samples for biopsy).
Treatment:
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Options may include pain medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormonal medications), hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, or progestins), and surgery to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue (laparoscopic excision surgery).
Endometriosis can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Between 30-50% of people with endometriosis may experience infertility. The normal chance of getting pregnant each month for people with no endometriosis is approximately 10-20%, while people with surgically documented endometriosis have a chance of only 1-10%.