Endometriosis: Causes and Symptoms

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the reproductive system of some women. Your uterus normally has a lining called the endometrium. If this lining grows or becomes implanted outside of your uterus, then it is called endometriosis.

Endometriosis is usually a painful disorder. It can afflict your fallopian tubes, ovaries or it can grow on into your pelvic area. Your endometrium normally thickens due to a hormonal response in your body. This is a normal preparation for fetal implantation or menstruation. The lining of the uterus is shed in menstruation if there is no pregnancy. Endometriosis tissue growing outside of your uterus also thickens and sheds with the hormonal changes of your body. The blood from the shedding tissues outside of your uterus can pool up and be very painful and irritating inside of your body. Adhesions and scar tissue can form often causing fertility problems.

The causes of endometriosis aren’t entirely clear. Some believe that there is a genetic predisposition to have endometrial cells outside of the uterus, or that the cells remained present after the formation of the female reproductive organs during fetal development. Others believe that the cells somehow traveled outside of the uterus, such as through the bloodstream or through the fallopian tubes. The causes aren’t exactly known at this time.

Some cases of endometriosis are mild and aren’t even discovered unless the woman has some type of surgery where the surgeon discovers it. Others have painful symptoms and abnormally heavy bleeding during menstruation. The pain is generally in the form of excessively painful menstrual cramps that last for days. The pelvic and associated back pain is tremendous as well. Similar pain or sharp cramps can occur during ovulation, intercourse, urination or defecation as well. Another symptom of endometriosis is infertility. If the fallopian tubes become scarred with endometrial tissue or adhesions, then eggs can not pass to the uterus for implantation. The uterus itself or the ovaries can also become damaged and cause fertility problems.

Endometriosis will generally get worse over time. It tends to be worse and more common in women who have not had children. Since the endometrial tissue grows and sheds with your menstrual cycle, it tends to cause more and more problems over time. This is also why it stops growing and shedding if you become pregnant or menopausal. Your body is no longer sending it the hormonal signal to grow and shed.

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms mimic that of other disorders and infections. Sometimes it can look like irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease. It often is accompanied by these two disorders as well and can often be overlooked. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms speak with your doctor. Getting early treatment can help you avoid years of pain and possible scarring of your reproductive organs or pelvic area. If infertility is a concern, then talk to your doctor as soon as possible for advice.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter (Daiter, Eric), the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.