Endometriosis

It is the presence and growth of tissue, similar to that of the lining of the uterus, in locations outside the uterus. This tissue may appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer walls of the uterus, bowels, uterine and ovarian ligaments, the ureters, or the bladder.

The displaced endometrial tissue responds to cyclic hormonal changes and causes inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions.

As a result, pain and dysfunction occur in affected sites.

The incidence of endometriosis is difficult to determine, however, estimates propose it affects some 10-15 percent of the women in their menstruating years in Australia.

This may be a conservative estimate as endometriosis can only be diagnosed conclusively via laparoscopy.

What Causes Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a puzzling complaint. Despite having been extensively researched, no one knows why it occurs. There are, however, multiple theories that exist.

Recent ideas propose that the immune system appears to be involved in the development of endometriosis.