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What causes endometriosis? |
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Is endometriosis cancerous? |
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What are the symptoms of endometriosis? |
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How is endometriosis diagnosed? |
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How many women get endometriosis? |
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What is the best treatment option for endometriosis? |
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What about a natural remedy or diet? |
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What exactly is endometriosis?
The lining of the uterine cavity is called the endometrium. When tissue implants are found outside of the uterus and look like the uterine lining under the microscope we call this condition endometriosis. Implants of endometriosis are most commonly found in the pelvic area, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the rectum and the bladder dome. There are rare reports of endometriosis outside the pelvis such as in the lung, colon, inside the bladder, and even as far away as the brain.
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What causes endometriosis?
Although the exact cause is still to be proven, many believe it
may be caused by a back flow of endometrial cells through the
fallopian tubes at the time of the period. These cells settle
in the pelvic area, normally the immune system should clean
these out, but because of a possible failure of immune system
function the cells some how attach to the tissues in the pelvis.
There appears to be a genetic link, endometriosis runs in families,
and supports an inherited problem of the immune system. Because
endometriosis is stimulated by cyclic ovarian estrogen and progesterone
production symptoms generally subside after menopause.
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Is endometriosis cancerous?
Endometriosis itself is not cancer. The incidence of endometrial cancer in women, who have had endometriosis, even if taking estrogen only after a hysterectomy, does not appear very high. There are reports of endometrial cancer arising in endometriosis, so it is possible, but this does not appear to be a contraindication to estrogen for moderate to severe menopausal symptom relief.
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What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptoms are:
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Worsening menstrual cramps
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Increased days of cramping in the cycle
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Painful intercourse
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Painful bowel movements and/or urination
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Infertility
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Lower back pain
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Pelvic pressure |
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