Endometriosis: Causes & Symptoms

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Endometriosis: Causes & Symptoms
Endometriosis: Causes & Symptoms

Video: Endometriosis: Causes & Symptoms

Video: Endometriosis: Causes & Symptoms
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Endometriosis: causes & symptoms

Endometriosis is a benign, often chronic disease that occurs between puberty and menopause. Although there have been many advances in endometriosis research in the last few decades, the development of this disease (pathogenesis) is still not fully understood. In today's medicine it is assumed that several factors are intertwined.

The inside of the uterine cavity is completely lined with uterine lining (endometrium). During the course of each monthly cycle, her cells multiply, become thicker and prepare for a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, part of the built-up mucous membrane is shed again - menstrual bleeding occurs. The build-up and breakdown of the uterine lining is controlled by the female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone).

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In endometriosis, there is a change in the woman's body so that the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. The endometrium can be found in the ovaries, vagina, intestines, in or on the urinary bladder, but also outside the pelvic or abdominal cavity. The mucous membrane-like tissue behaves outside the uterus like the mucous membrane inside the uterus: it grows and bleeds under the influence of the female sex hormones.

What are the causes of endometriosis?

There are different theories, whereby the metaplasia theory according to Meyer and the transplantation theory according to Sampson have established two main theories. The transplant theory states that the uterine lining cells do not bleed through the uterus as they normally do during menstruation, but enter the abdomen via the fallopian tubes. The theory of metaplasia assumes that endometriosis results from the transformation of certain cells that come from the same cell line as the endometrium.

What are the symptoms?

Endometriosis can cause pain, typically before and during menstruation or during intercourse. However, the tissue settlements (foci) can also be chronic and be associated with severe pain.

Depending on the location of the endometriosis, back and abdominal pain as well as pain or functional impairment when emptying the urinary bladder or the intestine and irregular bleeding are possible. The pain is often experienced as cramping and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, their intensity does not depend on the size of the foci or the extent of the endometriosis. Even a small focus can sometimes cause very severe pain or pronounced endometriosis can be symptom-free.

In the course of the disease, endometrial foci can enlarge or cysts form. Endometriosis cysts on the ovaries (endometriomas), foci on fallopian tubes or uterine ligaments can reduce fertility.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Dysmenorrhea: a menstrual period with exceptionally cramping pelvic pain. An increased production of prostaglandins in the uterine lining is suspected to be the trigger. This causes the uterine muscles to contract. More information under menstrual cramps.
  • Dyspareunia: pain during sexual intercourse that is often felt to be burning or cramping. More information under pain during intercourse.
  • Lower abdominal discomfort: These occur with varying degrees of intensity and usually not in connection with menstruation.
  • Feeling of fullness or bowel problems : If the bladder or bowel is affected, bowel movements or urination may be painful.

Note The symptoms are not necessarily typical of endometriosis, but also occur with many other changes in the abdominal cavity! Whether endometriosis causes symptoms at all and how severe they are varies greatly.

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