Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for conditions affecting women’s reproductive health.
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue (cells from the inner lining of the uterus) on surfaces outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, and peritoneal surfaces. These deposits can cause pain, infertility, and other complications.
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but theories suggest:
Endometriotic implants grow under the influence of estrogen, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. When it affects the ovaries, it can lead to the formation of cysts (blood-filled sacs).
The deposits of endometrial tissue can form cysts, cause inflammation, and lead to adhesions between pelvic organs. This disturbs the relationship between the fallopian tubes and ovaries, making it difficult for eggs to be captured and transported to the uterus.
Pain can start right after your first period or appear later in life. However, the severity of pain is not always linked to how severe the endometriosis is.
Endometriosis is most commonly found in the pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and the cul-de-sac (the pouch between the rectum and uterus). In rare cases, it can also affect the lungs, diaphragm, brain, and intestines.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed through a transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian cysts. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a laparoscopy, where a sample of the tissue is taken for analysis.
If your menstrual pain becomes worse over time or if you experience pain during intercourse, endometriosis may be suspected. Difficulty conceiving or cysts found on an ultrasound can also be signs.
Treatment options for endometriosis vary based on the severity of symptoms and the desire for fertility. Options include:
Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus that can affect fertility. These tumors grow from the uterine muscle and can be located inside, outside, or within the uterine wall.
Fibroids can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or altering the shape of the uterus. They can also interfere with implantation or cause miscarriages.
Premature ovarian failure (POF) occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. This is often called premature menopause.
POF can be caused by genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, smoking, or radiation. Some women experience ovarian failure with abundant follicles, while others may have a depleted ovarian reserve.
Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore estrogen levels and stimulate menstruation. In cases of infertility, IVF with egg donation may be necessary to conceive.
