Synonyms in a broader sense
Internal and external endometriosis, adenomyosis uteri
Definition
Endometriosis is the irregular appearance of endometrium outside the uterine cavity.
Frequency distribution
It is estimated that approximately every 10th woman of childbearing age (between puberty and menopause) is affected by endometriosis. The disease is particularly common among women between the ages of 25 and 38 and those who suffer from infertility of questionable origin.
Cause of endometriosis
A definite cause has not yet been found, but some theories have been put forward on the development of endometriosis: In addition, a long menstrual period over a lifetime (i.e. early onset of menstruation with a short cycle and long bleeding phase, and a late onset of menopause) has been identified as a risk factor.
- It is assumed, for example, that the mucous membrane of the affected region has been transformed by repeated irritant and inflammatory reactions in such a way that it now resembles the structure and function of the uterine lining.
- Another theory assumes that the lining of the uterus, which is ejected during menstruation, instead of coming out towards the vagina (vaginally), now comes backwards through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity, where it settles on the peritoneum.
- The third theory states that even under normal circumstances, the lining of the uterus often enters the abdominal cavity, but is directly and successfully combated by the woman’s healthy immune system. In the case of endometriosis, this defense seems to be limited, so that the misdirected uterine lining can attach itself to the peritoneum unhindered.
Occurrence and occurrence
Depending on where the misdirected endometrium is located, three forms of endometriosis are distinguished:
- Internal endometriosis of the reproductive organs (adenomyosis uteri)In this form of endometriosis, the lining of the uterus penetrates into the muscle layer (myometrium) of the uterus which lies immediately below it.
- External endometriosis of the genital organsHere, the scattered uterine mucosa is distributed outside the uterus itself in the organs of the small pelvis. These include ovaries, fallopian tubes, the peritoneal lining of the bladder and the rest of the peritoneum. The ligaments between the sacrum and uterus can also be affected.
- Endometriosis outside the genital organsThis is the term used for endometriosis when the dislocated lining of the uterus leaves the small pelvis and attaches itself to the intestine, bladder, ureters and lungs, for example. Even skin and brain can be affected.
