What are the causes of endometriosis?

In daily life, many women are always troubled by some gynecological diseases. The most common symptoms of many gynecological diseases are abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, and abnormal leucorrhea. In fact, many gynecological diseases cause more harm to women’s bodies than these. Many gynecological diseases can cause infertility symptoms in women to a large extent. Among them, endometriosis is a relatively common gynecological disease, and it has a great impact on women’s physical and mental health. However, in order to better prevent the occurrence of this disease, we need to know more about its causes. Let’s take a look at the causes of endometriosis.

What are the causes of endometriosis?

1. Implantation Theory

Menstrual blood flows backwards and endometrial implantation occurs. During the menstrual period, menstrual blood flows downstream from the cervix and vagina. However, a small amount of menstrual blood or other reasons mixed with shed endometrial fragments flow into the abdominal cavity through the fallopian ducts and implant on the surface of the pelvic organs to form endometriosis lesions.

2. Metaplastic endometrium

Serosa epithelium, metaplastic intima. During the human embryonic development period, the ovarian surface epithelium, peritoneum, vaginal rectal diaphragm, and umbilicus are all derived from the metaplasia of the body cavity epithelium. These tissues can be transformed under the stimulation of gonadal hormones, inflammation, and mechanical factors to form another type of tissue, which can also metaplasia into the endometrium.

3. Benign metastasis

Hematolymph, benign metastasis. This is a relatively rare cause of the disease. Endometriosis that occurs in the lungs, meninges, pericardium, limbs, and other distant parts is caused by the transfer of endometrial debris through the blood circulation or lymphatic system and retention in certain organs or tissues.

4. Iatrogenic endometrial transplantation

This is an artificial process that causes the endometrium to be transplanted to certain parts of the uterus. It is common in cesarean sections, curettage in early and mid-term pregnancy, episiotomy during delivery, and artificial abortion.

5. Defective immune defense

The endometrium that flows back into the abdominal cavity with menstrual blood is like a foreign body. It will activate the body's immune system and mobilize a large number of immune cells and body fluids to encircle and eliminate it. If the body's immune function is defective, it will develop into endometriosis.

6. Endocrine dysfunction

The growth and changes of ectopic endometrium, regardless of its origin, are related to ovarian endocrine secretion. Estrogen can promote growth, while progesterone can inhibit it. Clinically, it has been found that most patients are deficient in progesterone, which contributes to the occurrence and development of this disease.

7. Genetic and physical factors

Clinical observations have found that people with a family history of the disease are more likely to suffer from this disease. Physical factors such as obesity, overweight, and height also have a certain relationship.

Clinical manifestations

1. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the most typical symptom of endometriosis. It can occur before, during, or after your period. In severe stages, the pain is unbearable and increasing the dosage of analgesics may not even be effective. The pain is caused by internal bleeding from endometriosis stimulating local tissue inflammatory response. Endometriosis lesions secrete more prostaglandins, which causes uterine muscle contractions and makes dysmenorrhea more pronounced. After menstruation, bleeding stops and pain is relieved.

2. Abnormal menstruation

It may present as heavy menstruation or irregular menstrual cycles. Most of the menstrual abnormalities are related to the impact of endometriosis on ovarian function. Patients with endometriosis may experience ovarian dysfunction, such as abnormal ovulation.

3. Infertility

Infertility is common in women with endometriosis. Cause: Endometriosis can often cause adhesions around the fallopian tubes, affecting the pickup of oocytes; or ovarian lesions can affect ovulation.

4. Pain during sexual intercourse

Endometriosis in the rectouterine fossa and vaginal rectal septum may cause dyspareunia (deep tenderness) and frequent, painful bowel movements (tenesmus) during menstruation.

5. Others

Bladder irritation symptoms: When endometriosis spreads to the bladder, there will be periodic frequent urination, painful urination, and hematuria. Endometriosis in abdominal wall scars and umbilicus causes periodic local lumps and pain.

Only by better understanding the cause of the disease can we prevent the disease more effectively. The above is an understanding of the causes of endometriosis. In fact, the best treatment for the disease is not the choice of treatment method, but the prevention of the disease. If the disease can be effectively prevented, a lot of painful things can be reduced. Especially women must pay more attention to their own physical hygiene, observe the leucorrhea and menstruation more often, and seek medical treatment in time if any abnormalities are found.