
The endometrium is the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis is a disorder when the tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus and on the other areas of the body.
The following post discusses endometriosis and pregnancy and how the condition impacts fertility, pregnancy, and the baby.
Endometriosis is most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and on the tissues that hold the uterus in its place. It may also appear on the vagina, vulva, bowel, bladder, or rectum. It rarely appears on other body parts such as skin, lungs, or brain. It is believed to affect more than 11% of women between the ages 15 and 44.
Causes Of Endometriosis
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. However, some possible factors that may cause endometriosis in women are:
. Retrograde menstruation: It is characterized by some endometrial tissue flowing up through the fallopian tubes and embedding on to the organs in the pelvis instead of leaving the body as a menstrual flow.
. Problems with the immune system: A weak immune system may not identify and destroy endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus. As a result, women with endometriosis may present with certain cancers and immune system disorders.
. Hormones: High estrogenilevels can promote endometriosis. However, more research is needed to establish the role of a woman’s hormone system in causing endometriosis.
. Surgery: Endometrial tissue may be picked up and can be moved to other areas accidentally during an abdominal surgery such as a hysterectomy or cesarean section (C-section), leading to endometriosis.
. Bodily fluids: Endometrial cells may also spread to the woman’s body through blood or lymph.
Risk Factors For Endometriosis
The following are the suspected risk factors for endometriosis:
- Family history
- Early menarche
- Heavy or painful periods
- Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
- Long periods (longer than one week)
- Allergies, such as food allergies, eczema, or hay fever
- Obesity
- Exposure to toxins
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