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Endometriosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus—commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, and sometimes the intestines, bladder, or lungs.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Fatigue, bloating, nausea
Possible Causes
The exact cause remains unknown, but leading theories include:
- Retrograde menstruation: Endometrial cells flow backward through fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity.
- Embryonic cell transformation: Hormones transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like implants.
- Immune system dysfunction: Failure to destroy misplaced endometrial tissue.
Diagnosis
- Pelvic exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- MRI
- Laparoscopy (gold standard for definitive diagnosis)
Treatment Options
- Pain management: NSAIDs, other analgesics
- Hormone therapy: Birth control pills, GnRH agonists, progestins to suppress endometrial growth
- Surgery: Laparoscopic excision of implants; hysterectomy in severe cases
While endometriosis is chronic, most women manage symptoms effectively with tailored treatment and lead active lives.
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