Endometriosis Causes and Symptoms

Infertility can be caused by a number of reasons. Medical conditions such as Diabetes or Thyroid problems, medications, or reproductive disorders are just some of those. One of the reproductive disorders is Endometriosis, which affects over 5 million women in the United States. It is one of the most common known reasons a woman can be infertile.

In simple terms, Endometriosis is defined as the growth of the uterine lining (endometrial tissue) on other organs of the reproductive system. Each month during menstruation the endometrial tissue reacts to hormones a woman's body produces, and shed through the menstrual cycle. When the endometrial tissue is outside the uterus, it can cause chronic pain, painful menstruation, and pain during intercourse. Sometimes women have no symptoms at all, and find out the diagnosis only when trying to become pregnant.

The exact cause of Endometriosis is unknown. Some theories suggest it is an inherited trait. Others state that women with this gynecological disorder may have an immune or hormonal condition that promotes the growth of the endometrial tissue in other organs. The most common growth areas outside of the uterus are on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. Growth has been found in other areas of the body, such as the bladder, or kidneys, but the reproductive system is the most frequent.