Learn with us in this article about the causes of endometriosis and the most important information about it.
Endometriosis is a common condition that affects approximately 2% - 10% of women of childbearing age. This condition is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, usually located on other reproductive organs within the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Learn about the causes of endometriosis as follows:
Causes of endometriosis
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is uncertain, there are different theories that explain why endometriosis occurs. Among the causes of endometriosis are the following:
Reverse menstrual flow: Menstrual blood flows into the pelvic or abdominal cavity instead of out of the body.
Transformation of peritoneal cells: Scientists believe that hormones stimulate peritoneal cells to transform into cells similar to the lining of the uterus.
Transformation of fetal cells: Hormones are also likely to stimulate fetal cells to transform into endometrial-like cells.
Surgical scars: Surgical scars of the pelvic organs are one of the factors that increase the risk of endometrial cells adhering to these organs, causing endometriosis.
Endometrial cell migration: Endometrial cells may travel via blood or lymphatic vessels to other places, causing endometriosis.
Immune system diseases: Some immune system diseases can cause a defect in its ability to destroy and rid the body of cells similar to uterine cells that grow outside it.
Risk factors that increase the incidence of endometriosis
After we talked about the causes of endometriosis, we will talk about the risk factors for developing this condition, and among these factors are the following:
Not having children.
The menstrual cycle begins at a young age.
The menstrual cycle (menopause) stops at an older age.
The presence of high levels of estrogen in the body.
Having a family history of endometriosis.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Symptoms of endometriosis vary between patients. Some women suffer from mild symptoms, while others may suffer from moderate to severe symptoms. Symptoms of endometriosis include the following:
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom.
Lower abdominal pain before and during menstruation.
Abdominal cramps during menstruation.
Menorrhagia.
Bleeding between menstrual periods.
Infertility.
Pain after intercourse.
Pain during excretion.
Diagnosis of endometriosis
After taking a medical history from the patient, endometriosis can be diagnosed as follows
Pelvic examination: The doctor examines the pelvic organs to see if there is any disorder or pain in these areas.
Ultrasound examination: The doctor may use abdominal or vaginal ultrasound. This examination helps detect the presence of a blood cyst on the ovaries.
Magnetic resonance imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging helps with surgical procedures to determine the location and size of endometrial tissue.
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy helps determine the location and size of endometrial tissue. It also helps in taking samples of this tissue and examining it under a microscope.
Treatment of endometriosis
This condition can affect the patient''s daily life if left untreated, so the symptoms of the disease must be controlled. Medical and surgical options are available to help reduce symptoms and prevent potential complications. Treatment options for endometriosis include the following:
1. Pain relievers
You can use pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, but they are not effective in all cases.
2. Hormonal treatment
Supplemental hormones may be effective in reducing endometrial pain. The rise and fall of hormones during the menstrual cycle causes endometrial tissue to thicken, die, and bleed.
Hormonal medication may slow the growth of endometrial tissue and reduce the symptoms associated with bleeding. Hormonal treatments include the following:
Hormonal contraceptives.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists.
Progesterone therapy.
Aromatase inhibitors.
3. Conservative surgery
This option is used for women who want to become pregnant and suffer from severe pain and have not responded to hormonal treatments. This treatment is done through laparoscopy, which is used to remove endometrial tissue.
4. Total hysterectomy
This option is the last option, and is used by patients who do not want to become pregnant and whose condition has not improved with other treatments.
During a total hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus, cervix, and ovaries Because these organs secrete estrogen, which causes the growth of endometrial tissue.
