Endometriosis is a mild disease in women, in which small pieces of the endometrium, the internal tissue of the uterus, can be found above the uterus. Most often, these pieces of the endometrium are found on the pelvic wall, the ovary, the fallopian tube, the bladder, and the intestines in the form of so-called “chocolate cysts”.
Endometriosis usually occurs in the reproductive age of women, between 25 and 35 years of age. The causes of endometriosis are still quite unexplored. Although, several risk factors might play a significant role in the development of this condition. The most exposed to the risk of endometriosis are women who meet the following cases:
- First menstruation before the age of 12
- Menstrual cycles shorter than 27 days and menstruations lasting longer than 7 days
- Avoided use of contraception
- Delayed birth after 30 years
- Usage of tampons during menstruation
- Sexual intercourse during menstruation
- Family members with endometriosis
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are painful menstruation, painful intercourse, and menstrual cycle disorders such as bleeding between periods and excessive bleeding. Very often, endometriosis is the reason for infertility in women.