Uterine endometriosis is a pathological condition in which the growth of uterine tissue (endometrium) occurs on adjacent organs. Basically, the disease is detected in 10% of women from 25 to 44 years old.
This process is divided into two types. The first and most common is genital, in which the ovaries and fallopian tubes are captured . And the second is extragenital endometriosis, which manifests itself with the involvement of some organs of the abdominal cavity, lung tissue, postoperative scars and the bladder.
Causes
To date, there is no unequivocal opinion on what is the cause of the development of endemetriosis. Many experts stop at the implantation theory, which is based on the action of retrograde menstruation. The fact is that menstrual blood, in which there are endometrial particles, usually flows into the abdominal cavity and tubes, where they take root. Moreover, just like uterine tissue, the newly formed endometrium reacts to any hormonal changes in the body. But at the same time, all his excesses do not go outside, but form an inflammatory process with hemorrhage. It is worth noting that menstruation of this type occurs in women who have a certain structure of the genital organs.
There is also another theory of the occurrence of the disease. If you believe her, then endometriosis of the uterus appears when the woman’s immune system is weakened. As a result of this, when the endometrium attaches in the wrong place, macrophages (immune cells) are not able to destroy it. As a result, endometriosis manifests itself, a photo of which you can see below.
But do not lose sight of the so-called genetic predisposition. After all, very often there are families where several generations of women suffer from this disease. In this case, endometriosis of the uterus indicates the presence of genetic disorders, which cannot be detected yet.
Signs
- Pain during menstruation that occurs in the abdominal cavity.
- Dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
- Violation of the cycle of menstruation.
- Pain that occurs during bowel movements or sexual intercourse.
- Spotting throughout the cycle.
- Uterine bleeding.
- Infertility.
But it must be borne in mind that uterine endometriosis can occur without the manifestation of any symptoms. In addition, its diagnosis is complicated by the fact that most diseases of the pelvic organs have similar symptoms. Therefore, if any deviations appear that indicate a possible occurrence of endometriosis, you should contact your gynecologist and undergo all the necessary procedures that will help establish an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
At the initial stage of treatment and provided that there is one focus of inflammation, hormonal therapy is prescribed in the form of androgen derivatives or a combination of several oral contraceptives.
With unsuccessful attempts at conservative treatment or with the occurrence of several foci, doctors resort to surgical intervention. Most often this is a laparoscopic operation, during which the foci of inflammation are cauterized by a laser.