ENDOMETRIOSIS: HOW DOES IT GET THERE?
These include the possibility that in the development of the reproductive system in the growing foetus, something goes a bit wrong, and bits of endometrium later show up in the wrong places.
It has been demonstrated that during menstruation a little bleeding can go backwards, and spill out the end of the fallopian tube, instead of out the vagina. It may be that this spillage takes root and grows, but it is not obvious why it should happen in some people and not others.
It is more common in women who have not had a pregnancy, although it can develop in women who have borne children. It seems that having periods (uninterrupted by pregnancies) for five years increases the chance of being affected by this condition. Compared to our parents’ and previous generations we are tending to have children later in life. This may account for the apparent increase in the disease in our population. Some reports estimate that it may affect as many as one woman in ten in Australia.
The introduction of the laparoscope has allowed gynaecologists to see into the pelvises of women who have no symptoms of endometriosis, and are having an investigation or procedure for other reasons, like having fallopian tubes clipped. There is a growing suspicion among some gynaecologists that perhaps endometriosis is not always a problem. It may be that we are seeing it, presuming it must be abnormal, and treating it. It has been suggested that in fact small asymptomatic deposits may not require treatment, and may be considered almost ‘normal’. Further research will hopefully shed more light on this.
*184\52\4*
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.