Endometriosis has no known cause; however, many ideas exist.
Retrograde menstruation is the hypothesis that endometrial cells
travel back via the fallopian tubes, rooting and growing. Another idea
states that endometrial cells are transported via the bloodstream.
Other ideas suggest that endometriosis may be inherited in particular
families, or that an incorrect immune response may lead to its
development. Many women's bodies include cells that can grow into
endometrial cells if genetic or environmental factors impact them
later in life (Story, 2018).
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has created an
endometriosis stage system. Stages include: Stage 1, minimum; Stage
2, mild; Stage 3, moderate; and Stage 4, severe (John Hopkins
Medicine, 2019). Endometrial tissue location, quantity, depth, and
size determine endometriosis stage. Criteria include: the extent of
spread of tissue, the involvement of pelvic structures, the extent of
pelvic adhesions, and the blockage of the fallopian tubes (John
Hopkins Medicine, 2019).
Most women with endometriosis will have one or more of the
symptoms listed below, however they may manifest in different ways
for individual women. Endometriosis can cause symptoms such as:
pain, especially excessive menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse,
abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, infertility, painful urination during
menstruation, painful bowel movements during menstruation, and
other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation,
and/or nausea (John Hopkins Medicine, 2019).
Diagnostic testing for endometriosis includes patient history,
physical examination, laparoscopy, and pelvic ultrasound. A
laparoscopy is a form of surgery that examines the abdomen or a
woman's genitalia. A laparoscope is used in laparoscopic surgery.
Intra-abdominal incision for insertion of a tube that features a
camera. The camera feeds footage to a monitor. This permits a
surgeon to see within the body without causing substantial harm
(Laparoscopy: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information, 2018).
John Hopkins Medicine. (2019). Endometriosis. Johns Hopkins
Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-
diseases/endometriosis
Laparoscopy: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information. (2018).
Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/laparoscopy/
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: a practical approach (3rd ed.). Jones
& Bartlett Learning.
