- Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, associated with infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pain.

Causes and Incidence The cause of endometriosis is unclear, but the prevailing hypothesis suggests dissemination and implantation of endometrial cells at local ectopic sites via retrograde menstruation through the fallopian tubes and distant sites via the bloodstream or lymphatics. Sites can be anywhere in the body, but pelvic structures are most common. Another hypothesis suggests transformation of coelomic epithelium into endometrium-like glands. A familial history, late childbearing, and mullerian duct abnormalities are predisposing factors. Approximately 25% of women can expect to develop endometriosis. It is seen most commonly during the childbearing years.

Disease Process After implantation of endometrial cells, primarily on pelvic structures (e.g., the ovaries, ligaments, oviducts, and peritoneal surface of the uterus), the cells grow to form lesions. These lesions are subject to hormonal cycles and bleed during menstruation, causing irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissue, leading to fibrosis and adhesions.

Symptoms The major symptom is secondary dysmenorrhea, although many individuals are asymptomatic. Other symptoms are abnormal uterine bleeding, dyspareunia, infertility, lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and pain associated with a full bladder or with defecation.

Potential Complications The primary complication is infertility or spontaneous abortion.

Diagnostic Tests Laparoscopy with biopsy allows visualization and histologic confirmation of the lesions.

Treatments

Surgery
Laparoscopy to remove or vaporize lesions; hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for intractable pain.

Drugs
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, progestins, and antigonadotropic agents to inhibit ovarian function and suppress endometrial growth; prostaglandin synthase inhibitors to relieve dysmenorrhea.

General
Emotional support for depression, altered body image, and possible infertility.

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Related Posts

1. Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
2. Uterine Bleeding, Dysfunctional
3. Dysmenorrhea

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3 Comments »

1. Прошу прощения, что вмешался… Я здесь недавно. Но мне очень близка эта тема. Пишите в PM….

   – Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, associated with infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pain…..

   Trackback by Kylie Batt — April 11, 2010 @ 4:06 pm

2. Просто, под столом…

   [...]

   Related Posts

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   Trackback by Kylie BattName — April 11, 2010 @ 10:24 pm

3. [...] diagnostic tests endometriosis [...]

   Pingback by Genital Warts - Disease Process, Symptoms, Diagnostic Tests, Treatments at Medi-Info, Medical information for our connected world — June 14, 2010 @ 7:10 pm

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