Health Problems
Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects 5 1/2 million
women and girls in the USA and Canada, and millions more worldwide. It
occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the
endometrium) is found outside the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the
ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area
between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the
lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may
include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal
surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and
other locations.
This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to
the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining
does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual
blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but
the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving
the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and
tissue from the lesions, and inflammation -- and can cause pain,
infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.
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Known Causes
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. The retrograde menstruation
theory (transtubal migration theory) suggests that during menstruation
some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes,
implants in the abdomen, and grows. Some experts believe that all women
experience some menstrual tissue backup and that an immune system problem
or a hormonal problem allows this tissue to grow in the women who develop
endometriosis.
Another theory suggests that endometrial tissue is distributed from the
uterus to other parts of the body through the lymph system or through the
blood system. A genetic theory suggests that it may be carried in the
genes in certain families or that some families may have predisposing
factors to endometriosis.
Surgical transplantation has also been cited in many cases where
endometriosis is found in abdominal scars, although it has also been found
in such scars when accidental implantation seems unlikely.
Another theory suggests that remnants of tissue from when the woman was
an embryo may later develop into endometriosis, or that some adult tissues
retain the ability they had in the embryo stage to transform reproductive
tissue in certain circumstances.
Research by the Endometriosis Association revealed a startling link
between dioxin (TCCD) exposure and the development of endometriosis.
Dioxin is a toxic chemical by product of pesticide manufacturing, bleached
pulp and paper products, and hazardous waste burning. The EA discovered a
colony of rhesus monkeys that had developed endometriosis after exposure
to dioxin. 79% of the monkeys exposed to dioxin developed endometriosis,
and, in addition, the more dioxin exposure, the more severe the endo.
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Symptoms
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pain before and during periods
- Pain with sex
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Painful urination during periods
- Painful bowel movements during periods
- Diarrhoea, constipation, nausea
In addition, many women with endometriosis suffer from:
- Allergies
- Chemical sensitivities
- Frequent yeast infections
Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by
laparoscopy, a minor
surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the
location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and
patient make better treatment choices.
Source: - Endometriosis Association
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