5 Common Factors That May Put You at More Risk of Endometriosis
The endometrium, also called the mucosal membrane, is the innermost layer of your uterus (womb). The tissue lining your uterus is essential for preparing an optimal environment that enables the implantation of an embryo. Moreover, the endometrial layer promotes the patency of your womb. Sometimes, endometrial tissue may appear in abnormal locations outside your uterine cavity, a condition called endometriosis Miami. According to the Office on Women’s Health, that particular gynecological problem affects more than 10% of American women aged 15 to 44.
The body’s organs and structures that may develop endometriosis include fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, rectum, bladder, and diaphragm.
For instance, the presence of endometrial tissue on the ovaries may cause the formation of cysts. Cysts can irritate adjacent tissues, causing the development of scar tissues and adhesions, which can lead to organs and tissues in your pelvis sticking together.
Scar tissue growths and adhesions can damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries, blocking the release and passage of eggs and preventing sperm entry. That is why the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that 30%-50% of women with endometriosis often have infertility issues.
Clinical studies have not yet revealed the exact causes of endometriosis. Still, below are factors that may put you at risk of having endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity.
- Retrograde menstruation
Retrograde menstruation involves your menstrual blood flowing upward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis instead of out of the vagina. Most women usually experience a backward flow of menstrual blood, but it is never severe.
If retrograde menstruation is severe, the endometrial tissues may stick to your pelvic walls and the pelvic organs’ surfaces, which can cause endometriosis and pain.
- Transformation embryonic cells
Research shows that reproductive hormones such as estrogen may cause the transformation of embryonic cells during their early stages of development to form endometrial tissues, especially during puberty.
- Implantation of a scar after surgery
After undergoing gynecological surgery such as a cesarean section or surgical removal of the womb, the incision site may develop a scar. A growth resembling endometrial tissue may appear on the scarred incision site.
- Transfer of endometrial cells
If you have endometriosis, the lymphatic and circulatory systems may transport and spread endometrial cells to other organs outside your uterus.
The transported endometrial cells attach to organs and structures outside the womb and may grow thicker.
- An autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease is a disorder characterized by your immune system attacking and destroying healthy, normal cells of your body instead of protecting them against harmful microbes and substances.
Studies link endometriosis to autoimmune conditions. When you have endometriosis, the immune system fails to identify and destroy endometrial tissues outside the uterus.
Studies show that you may also be at risk of endometriosis if you begin your menstruation early, experience short menstrual cycles, have heavy periods lasting more than seven days, and have a low BMI (Body Mass Index).
Reproductive tract issues and conditions that impede blood transport from your body during menstruation may also trigger endometriosis.
Contact The Miami Institute for Women’s Health today to schedule an appointment with an endometriosis specialist and learn more about your treatment options.
