Endometriosis
Endometriosis
is common condition which is characterised by the presence of endometrial-like tissue,
that is tissue which is similar to the endometrium (lining of the womb), sited outside
the uterine cavity. This tissue can be found deep in the womb muscle (known as "endometriosis interna" or "adenomyosis") or outside the
womb (known as "endometriosis externa" or commonly as just "endometriosis"). Endometriosis
is usually confined to the pelvis, but on occasions can affect distant sites (e.g.
bowel, diagphragm, lungs, limbs). Endometriosis responds to the hormonal changes
of the ovarian cycle, and this explains why it is rare before the menarche or after
the menopause.
Endometriosis can be asymptomatic, but the typically symptoms are of pain (e.g. painful periods, pelvic pain, painful intercourse), heavy periods, and sometimes subfertility. Ovarian cysts (endometriomas) can develop if the endometriosis involves the ovaries. Scar tissue (adhesions) can form as a result of the inflammation, typically in the pelvis behind the uterus. Deposits of endometriosis can grow deep under the surface (e.g. between the vagina and rectum) to form a nodule.
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