Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder whereby tissue similar to your uterus lining grows outside your uterus in other areas, including the fallopian tube, ovaries, and tissue lining the pelvis. The endometrial tissue thickens and breaks down with each menstrual cycle, and so does the endometrial-like tissue. However, the tissue gets trapped inside your body since it cannot exit the body. Endometriosis often causes pelvic pain, which is associated with menstrual periods. However, those with Jackson Heights endometriosis describe the pain as too severe than the usual menstrual cramps.

What causes endometriosis?

The cause for endometriosis is not specific, but some possible explanations include:

• Retrograde menstruation. Instead of flowing outside your body, menstrual blood may flow into the fallopian tubes and the pelvic cavity.
• Surgical scar implantation. There is a possibility of endometrial cells attaching to a surgical incision during procedures such as C-sections and a hysterectomy.
• Immune system disorder. Your body may fail to recognize and destroy foreign tissue outside your uterus due to problems with the immune system.
• Embryonic cells transformation. Estrogen hormone may transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like cells during puberty.
• Endometrial cells transport. Your lymphatic system or blood vessels may transport endometrial cells to other body parts.

Although endometriosis can occur to any female who has begun their periods, the risk is more significant. Several risk factors predispose you to this condition. They include:

Menstrual cycle characteristics

The chances of developing endometriosis are higher for those women who are more exposed to menstruation. Your menstrual exposure might be higher if you started your periods at a younger age, before 12 years. Women with a shorter menstrual cycle of 27 days or fewer are also at risk of endometriosis. Menstrual exposure also increases when your period lasts for a week or longer each month. Since pregnancy reduces the frequency of periods, it decreases your risk for this condition. Pregnant women with endometriosis report that the symptoms fade during pregnancy, but it is common for them to reappear after childbirth.

Family history

Your risk of developing endometriosis is up to 10 times higher if you have someone in your family with the same disorder. It could be a close family member such as your sister, mother, grandmother, or distant relatives, including your cousin. The disease can be passed down maternally or paternally.

Conditions that interfere with normal menstrual flow

Retrograde menstruation is one of the possible theories linked with endometriosis, which occurs when menstrual blood flows back to your fallopian tubes instead of exiting the body. Any condition blocking or redirecting your menstrual flow could cause retrograde menstruation, a risk factor for endometriosis. Some of these conditions include asynchronous uterine contractions, abnormality in the structure of your uterus, cervix, or vagina, uterine growth such as fibroids, and increased estrogen production.

Abdominal surgery

Women who have undergone C-sections or a hysterectomy have a higher chance of developing endometriosis. During surgery, the endometrial tissue may attach to other places such as your ovaries and fallopian tubes. If the body fails to recognize and destroy these cells, you may develop endometriosis.

If you have further questions about endometriosis, consult with your doctor at Raveco Medical.