Table of contents:
- Overview of endometriosis
- Causes of endometriosis
- 1. Retrograde menstruation
- 2. Changes in embryonic cells
- 3. Surgical scars
- 4. Endometrial cell circulation
- 5. Immune system disorders
- 6. Heredity
- 7. Environmental factors
Endometriosis is a medical disorder that affects the lower abdomen in women, and generally occurs in women of childbearing age. This condition occurs when tissue in the uterine wall grows outside the uterus. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but there are several possibilities or that can trigger endometriosis.
Overview of endometriosis
Endometriosis is an abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Normally, the uterine wall tissue will only thicken before ovulation to prepare itself so that the prospective fetus can stick to the uterus, if fertilization occurs.
If there is no fertilization, the thickened endometrium will shed into blood. That's when your period starts.
In cases of endometriosis, this persistent thickening will irritate the surrounding tissue causing inflammation, cysts, scarring, and eventually causing symptoms.
Usually endometriosis causes excruciating pain during menstruation, pelvic pain, and heavy menstruation. In addition, some women also complain of pain when defecating, urinating, or during sexual intercourse. In serious cases endometriosis can also delay pregnancy, even causing infertility.
Endometriosis conditions can appear in women in the reproductive age range. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known with certainty. However, it is suspected that genetic, environmental, and anatomical factors play a role in the emergence of endometriosis.
Causes of endometriosis
There are several things that may be the cause of endometriosis. To confirm a diagnosis, go to your doctor immediately. However, those of you who have the conditions below should be more vigilant.
1. Retrograde menstruation
Retrograde menstruation occurs when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity, rather than outside the body.
These endometrial cells attach to the pelvic walls and surfaces of the pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed throughout the menstrual cycle.
2. Changes in embryonic cells
The hormone estrogen can convert embryonic cells, namely cells in the early stages of development, into endometrial cell implants during puberty. In other words, endometriosis is stimulated by unbalanced levels of the hormone estrogen.
3. Surgical scars
After surgery such as a hysterectomy or delivery by caesarean section, endometrial cells can attach to the surgical incision.
4. Endometrial cell circulation
The vascular system or tissue (lymphatic) fluid can transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.
5. Immune system disorders
It is possible that a problem with the immune system might prevent the body from recognizing and destroying endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus.
A compromised immune system plays an important role because it allows abnormal cells to continue to grow outside the uterus.
6. Heredity
It is possible that endometriosis is influenced by heredity. A woman with a family member who has endometriosis is more prone to developing endometriosis as well.
7. Environmental factors
Environmental factors can trigger endometriosis. Several studies have shown exposure to harmful toxins and radiation as contributing to the development of this disease. Toxic chemicals such as phthalates can affect the response of the immune system and reproductive hormones.
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