Learn about the causes of Endometriosis & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Endometriosis within New Zealand.
Endometriosis is a female condition which occurs when the tissue which lines the womb also forms in other areas of the body, typically the bladder and ovaries. There may be no symptoms, but more commonly pain is experienced in the lower back, abdomen and pelvic area.
Causes of endometriosis
There are a number of theories as to what causes endometriosis but the exact reasons for the condition are unclear.
One
theory is that during menstruation, the womb lining flows back into the
fallopian tubes rather than leaving as menstrual blood. The tissue
attaches itself to the organs within the pelvis growing to become
endometriosis. This process is known as retrograde menstruation and is
believed to happen in most women but the majority are able to clear the
tissue without any complications.
Endometriosis may also be
hereditary and passed on through genes from the family. The condition
is rare in Afro-Caribbean women.
Endometriosis may be caused
when cells enter the bloodstream or the network of glands, organs and
tubes that make up the lymphatic system which forms part of the body's
natural defence against infection. This theory is based on evidence of
endometriosis cells being found in the brain.
A dysfunction of the immune system may cause endometriosis meaning some women can't effectively fight the condition.
Another
theory behind the cause of endometriosis is the ability for cells to
change. This process is known as Metaplasia and is how the body can
grow inside the womb. Some healthcare professionals believe
endometriosis may develop during the formation of the baby's womb and
retain the ability to alter cells later in life.
Many women don't experience any symptoms of endometriosis but those who
do may find they vary. There are some common symptoms that include:
• Periods that are painful
• Heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Pain around the pelvis
• Pain felt during sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Lower back pain
• Infertility
• Subfertility (difficulty conceiving)
Other symptoms experienced with endometriosis are:
• Difficulty passing urine
• Blood from the anus
• Blockage within the bowel
• Blood produced when coughing
Symptoms
will vary depending on where the endometriosis is within the body as
opposed to the amount. Small amounts can be just as painful as large.
Diagnosis of endometriosis
Should your GP suspect you have endometriosis they will refer you to a
specialist for confirmation. This will be done using a laparoscopy
examination under general anaesthetic..
During a laparoscopy, a
small flexible tube with a camera on the end is passed into the body
through a small incision in the naval (belly button) so the specialist
can view the endometrial tissue. A biopsy (small sample) will be taken
for testing and if necessary any tissue will be surgically removed.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk