Endometriosis and Fertility

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition affecting an estimated 2–10% of women of childbearing age. The name of this condition comes from the word “endometrium,” which is the tissue that lines the uterus. It is unusual for endometrial tissue to spread beyond your pelvic region, but it is not impossible. During a woman’s regular menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up and is shed if she does not become pregnant. Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the whole abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down just as the endometrium inside the uterus does, resulting in small bleeding inside the pelvis. This means the tissue will grow, thicken, and break down. This leads to inflammation, swelling, and scarring of the normal tissue surrounding the endometriosis implants. Over time, the tissue that has broken down has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in pelvis. When the ovary is involved, blood can become embedded in the normal ovarian tissue, forming a “blood blister” surrounded by a fibrous cyst, called an endometrioma. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

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