What is Endometriosis?

 

Endometriosis is when the tissue of the uterine lining begins to develop in other organs in the body where it does not belong. The resulting endometrial tissue outside of the endometrial cavity, also responds to normal cyclic hormonal changes, causing bleeding and inflammation that is present during menstrual cycles to the affected areas. The inflammation is the result of irregular chronic bleeding in the pelvic cavity, which ultimately leads to adhesion in unwanted places. Therefore, the pain associated with endometriosis is most prevalent in premenopausal women. This condition most often presents itself in the pelvic and lower abdominal regions, such as the ovaries, however it is possible for it to present in any part of the body.

Endometriosis is a chronic illness that is often associated with pelvic pain, infertility, and genital

tract anomalies.

 

Adhesions

 

When the endometrial tissue outside of the endometrial cavity succumbs to bleeding caused by hormonal influences, this can cause local inflammation, which is a major reason for the formation of adhesions, bands of fibrous scar tissue. The inflammation caused by endometriosis can lead to these bands to form along the affected areas that may bind organs together. The adhesions alone bring about their own set of symptoms of discomfort and pain depending on the areas they present.

 

The association between adhesions and endometriosis is widely known, yet there is no surefire method of prevention when the adhesions are a result of the endometriosis alone. The best that can be done is to keep a close eye on the condition of endometriosis and to make sure it is well treated and controlled to ensure that it does not cause further abnormalities and discomfort throughout the affected areas.