It’s important for women to be aware of reproductive health issues, and one condition that often goes undetected is endometriosis. This condition can manifest with painful, heavy, and irregular menstrual cycles, leading to various reproductive disorders. The pain typically begins with the onset of the menstrual cycle and persists until its conclusion, which prompts many women with endometriosis to seek medical assistance due to chronic pelvic pain.
In addition to pelvic pain, there are other potential signs of endometriosis, including diarrhea and painful bowel movements during menstruation. However, abdominal tenderness is a common symptom that many women experience.
Endometriosis primarily revolves around the menstrual cycle, but it is crucial to note that it is not cancerous in approximately 95% of cases. In endometriosis, the tissue lining the uterus thickens with blood during the menstrual cycle, then breaks down and exits the body through the vagina. However, this tissue is found outside the uterus, attaching to or embedding itself in other bodily tissues.
In this condition, fragments of endometrial tissue can appear almost anywhere in the body, except within the uterus. Most frequently, it affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the region between the ovaries and the uterus, the vagina, the uterine wall, followed by the abdomen, intestine, bladder, and kidneys. In rare instances, endometrial tissue is even found in the lungs, skin, surgical scars, certain nerves, the brain, and the lymphatic system.
Endometrial tissue outside the uterus continues to function normally, stimulated by estrogen hormones. It behaves as if it is within the uterus, thickening to accept a fertilized egg, breaking down when conception does not occur, and shedding in preparation for the next cycle. During each menstrual cycle, this tissue bleeds, much like the endometrial tissue inside the uterus. However, the issue arises when this tissue is located anywhere else in the body except the uterus. The accumulated tissue can lead to irritation, inflammation, and persistent pain, month after month. If left untreated, the bleeding may result in the formation of scar tissue, which could spread throughout the pelvis, causing organs to twist and adhere to each other, disrupting their normal function. This can fill the entire cavity and eventually give rise to a tumor-like mass.
It’s essential for women to stay informed about reproductive health conditions like endometriosis. Early recognition and diagnosis can lead to more effective management and improved quality of life.