What is Endometriosis?

Causes of Endometriosis

While the main cause of endometriosis is still unknown, some possible causes include:

• Immune system disorders: A weak immune system is not able to detect and destroy abnormal tissue that grows outside the uterus.
• Genetics: Those who have a mother, sister or other relatives diagnosed with endometriosis have a higher chance of also developing the condition.
• Surgery: While rare, endometrial cells may become displaced during surgical procedures such as a caesarean section or a hysterectomy.
• Retrograde menstruation: This is an occurrence in which endometrial cells from menstruation flow back up the fallopian tubes instead of out of the body.
• Hormones: An abnormally high level of oestrogen is linked to having endometriosis.

Treatments for Endometriosis

• Home remedies: One may take warm baths and use a heating pad, which relaxes pelvic muscles, reducing pain and cramping.
• Medication: Patients can take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage painful menstrual cramps.
• Hormone therapy: Pain can be addressed by taking hormone therapy, which is available in various forms such as injection, shot, or pill. This stops the ovaries from generating hormones like oestrogen, which increase the chances of developing endometriosis. It can also slow the formation of endometrial lesions and endometrium.
• Removal of Endometriosis Tissues: For patients who want to have their endometriosis removed while still preserving their fertility, they can opt for surgery, specifically laparoscopic surgery if eligible. This helps remove abnormal tissue without affecting the ovaries and uterus.
• Hysterectomy: The last resort, removing the uterus altogether and/or the ovaries (oophorectomy) is the most effective way to treat endometriosis and prevent it from recurring.