Question:
A friend of mine has just been diagnosed
with endometriosis, she seemed confused
as to what it is. What can you tell
me about endometriosis?
Answer:
Endometriosis is characterized by
cells which resemble the lining
of the uterus (endometrium) which
are found growing in places
other than where the lining of the
uterus belongs. This may cause
pain, and brings the risk of infertility.
As for the
cause there are a few theories,
none of which have been proven.
One of the oldest theories on the
cause of endometriosis is
"Sampson's theory" which
is that menstrual blood containing
cells
from the lining of the uterus escapes
through the fallopian tubes
and sticks to other places in the
pelvis.
Sometimes
women have endometriosis with no
symptoms at all. Others
have excruciating pain. Endometriosis
is a likely suspect when
pelvic pain is present, but the
only way to know for sure is
surgery. And, if the endometriosis
lesions are very small, it
may take an excellent surgeon to
find them.
