Endo -What?

What is endometriosis and how does it affect your chances of falling pregnant?

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ENDOMETRIOSIS IS A condition where the hormone-sensitive layer of tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus, the endometrium, grows outside of your womb. Endometriosis most commonly occurs in the lining of the pelvis or on the ovaries but can also affect the bowel or bladder, and in rare cases occur in more distant sites such as the navel or lungs. Endometriotic tissue responds to hormones in a similar fashion as the normal endometrium – it thickens, breaks down and bleeds. However, that shed tissue has nowhere to go, so it becomes trapped. It can be extremely painful.

HOW COMMON IS THIS CONDITION?

“It’s estimated that 2 to 10 percent of women have endometriosis, but it’s more common in symptomatic women, with up to half of infertile women being affected. Young women can also be affected; more than half of women with endometriosis already have symptoms in their teen years,” explains Dr Annelize Barnard, specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician.

AM I AT RISK?

It’s not known what causes endometriosis, but there are several theories. “The most widely accepted theory is that some of the endometrial cells that are shed during menstruation may travel backwards through the fallopian tubes and start growing outside the uterus. Endometriosis does occur more commonly in women who have relatives with the condition, but it’s not inherited as such. To date there’s no proven way to predict or prevent endometriosis,” says Dr Barnard.

TYPICAL SYMPTOMS