Endometriosis is a common, troublesome condition among women of child-bearing age that can cause bleeding, pain and discomfort and even lead to infertility.
Women with endometriosis develop tissue outside of the uterus that looks and acts like the endometrial lining. This misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of a woman's monthly menstrual cycle, resulting in internal bleeding. This causes surrounding tissue to become inflamed or swollen. It can also cause scar tissue, chronic pain, and heavy periods.
Endometriosis is a main cause of infertility in women. This can happen if the tissue implants in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Tissue can also implant on other organs in the pelvis.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is not clear. It may be that during a woman’s period, some of the tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the belly. Another theory suggests genes are to blame. Current research is also looking at the role of the immune system.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be treated with minimally invasive techniques such as as laparoscopy. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen and inflate the abdomen with a harmless gas. Using the laparoscope, the surgeon can view the affected area and remove the endometriosis.