Endometriosis is the excessive growth of endometrial cells (that forms the inner lining of the uterus) but they grow outside the uterus which can cause pelvic pain during menstruation. It occurs more commonly in women who have infertility problems than in others. Most of the women with endometriosis will not have any symptoms except a dull pain. Pain killers and other way of treatment are available for endometriosis.
During normal course of menstrual cycle, endometrial cells join together to form a protective lining on the uterus to enclose the fertilized embryo. When the egg is not fertilized there is no use of retaining the inner lining of endometrial cells and hence they are shed during monthly menstruation cycle. But during endometriosis these cells will attach to the tissue located outside the uterus. Often they are found in the fallopian tubes or in the ovaries and are described as endometriosis implants. These implants are harmless and do not cause cancer.
Who Are Affected ?
Endometriosis occurs in women who are in the reproductive ages (20-35 years). But it also develops in adolescent girls of age 11-13 years and sometime in women of menopausal age. It can also develop on women who take fertility drugs for getting conceived. Endometriosis is the major cause of pelvic pain for 15% of women living in the United States and 20-50% of women are diagnosed to have endometriosis (if they are taking fertility drugs).
Symptoms Of Endometriosis :
For some women there will not be any symptoms at all. For others endometriosis can cause pelvic pain during periods. The range of pain may differ from dull to severe. Pelvic pain will usually begin before your menstrual cycle starts and continue till you have bleeding. It can cause pain in the lower abdomen, your back and thighs. This dull pain will automatically vanish after menstruation.