Hi Dawn,
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally is found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. The displaced cells most commonly develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the outer surfaces of the uterus and the intestines.
It is not known what causes endometriosis, but one thought is retrograde menstruation: menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. These displaced endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed over the course of the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis usually develops several years after the onset of menstruation.
Risk factors for endometriosis include:
never giving birth
one or more relatives with the disorder ( mother, sister or aunt)
menstrual cycles shorter than 27 days with bleeding lasting longer than eight days
any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow
a history of pelvic infection
Treatment options include medication to control pain and stop endometrial growth from getting worse. Surgery can be done to remove endometrial growths, scar tissue and adhesions. But, even with treatment, abnormal endometrial cells will come back.
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Hi Dawn,
March 21, 2011 - 4:35pmEndometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally is found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. The displaced cells most commonly develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the outer surfaces of the uterus and the intestines.
It is not known what causes endometriosis, but one thought is retrograde menstruation: menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. These displaced endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed over the course of the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis usually develops several years after the onset of menstruation.
Risk factors for endometriosis include:
never giving birth
one or more relatives with the disorder ( mother, sister or aunt)
menstrual cycles shorter than 27 days with bleeding lasting longer than eight days
any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow
a history of pelvic infection
Treatment options include medication to control pain and stop endometrial growth from getting worse. Surgery can be done to remove endometrial growths, scar tissue and adhesions. But, even with treatment, abnormal endometrial cells will come back.
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