Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Introduction
Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years; it has been estimated that endometriosis occurs in roughly 6–10% of women. Symptoms may depend on the site of active endometriosis. Its main but not universal symptom is pelvic pain in various manifestations. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but it can be treated in a variety of ways, including pain medication, hormonal treatments, and surgery.
Contents
• 1 Signs and symptoms o 1.1 Pelvic pain o 1.2 Fertility o 1.3 Other o 1.4 Complications
• 2 Risk factors o 2.1 Environmental toxins o 2.2 Genetics o 2.3 Aging
• 3 Pathophysiology o 3.1 Formation of ectopic endometrium
3.1.1 Retrograde menstruation
3.1.2 Other theories of endometrial formation o 3.2 Localization
• 4 Diagnosis o 4.1 Staging o 4.2 Markers o 4.3 Histopathology
• 5 Prevention
• 6 Management o 6.1 Hormonal medication o 6.2 Other medication o 6.3 Surgery o 6.4 Comparison of medicinal and surgical interventions o 6.5 Treatment of infertility
• 7 Prognosis
• 8 Epidemiology
• 9 History
• 10 References
• 11 Further reading
• 12 External links
Signs and symptoms
Pelvic pain
A major symptom of endometriosis is recurring pelvic pain. The pain can range from mild to severe cramping that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, in the lower back and rectal area, and even down the
Introduction
Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years; it has been estimated that endometriosis occurs in roughly 6–10% of women. Symptoms may depend on the site of active endometriosis. Its main but not universal symptom is pelvic pain in various manifestations. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but it can be treated in a variety of ways, including pain medication, hormonal treatments, and surgery.
Contents
• 1 Signs and symptoms o 1.1 Pelvic pain o 1.2 Fertility o 1.3 Other o 1.4 Complications
• 2 Risk factors o 2.1 Environmental toxins o 2.2 Genetics o 2.3 Aging
• 3 Pathophysiology o 3.1 Formation of ectopic endometrium
3.1.1 Retrograde menstruation
3.1.2 Other theories of endometrial formation o 3.2 Localization
• 4 Diagnosis o 4.1 Staging o 4.2 Markers o 4.3 Histopathology
• 5 Prevention
• 6 Management o 6.1 Hormonal medication o 6.2 Other medication o 6.3 Surgery o 6.4 Comparison of medicinal and surgical interventions o 6.5 Treatment of infertility
• 7 Prognosis
• 8 Epidemiology
• 9 History
• 10 References
• 11 Further reading
• 12 External links
Signs and symptoms
Pelvic pain
A major symptom of endometriosis is recurring pelvic pain. The pain can range from mild to severe cramping that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, in the lower back and rectal area, and even down the