Endometriosis is a poorly understood disease. It is caused by the fact that the cells of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium), getting into other organs, take root outside the uterus and begin to grow and lead an independent existence, characteristic of the "normal" cells of the endometrium. With them, the same cyclical changes occur as in the mucosa inside the uterus: thickening, then degradation and rejection under the influence of female sex hormones. The finding of such cells outside the uterus - in itself speaks of the danger of endometriosis, and the destruction that they inflict on the body is very difficult to treat.
Is endometriosis of the uterus dangerous?
The centers of the "wrong" endometrium can be located both inside the uterus and in other reproductive organs of the woman. There is also an extragenital form - when the endometrium "gets" to other organs, for example, the intestine.
Such foci become a source of constant inflammation at the site of localization, causing the development of an adhesion process. Spikes grow in the abdominal cavity, leading to obstruction of the fallopian tubes (tubal infertility), intestinal fusion, pain.
The more dangerous endometriosis of the uterus - this is a violation of the menstrual cycle and hormonal failure. The cycle becomes irregular, the bleeding is profuse and painful, prolonged, with intermenstrual dysplasia. The broken hormonal background leads to the development of anovulation and problems with conception in sick women.
Even if a woman managed to get pregnant with endometriosis, most likely, the process of bearing will be in danger. First, the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy is high due to adhesions and poor permeability of the tubes. Secondly, the disturbed hormonal background often leads to miscarriages and death of the fetus inside the womb. The chance to normally endure and give birth to endometriosis is minimal, which is dangerous for pregnancy.
Another consequence of endometriosis of the uterus is a constant increased blood loss due to the abundant periods and excretions between them. Prolonged and frequent menstruation can lead to a disease such as post-hemorrhagic anemia.
Endometriosis outside the uterus: is it dangerous?
Ectopic endometriosis nodes tend to expand and squeeze adjacent organs.
But the most terrible consequence of endometriosis is the risk of its degeneration into a malignant course (cancer).
Of course, the physical and psychological condition, the quality of life of women with endometriosis - is a big problem for doctors. But the greatest danger of this disease is its almost impossible to cure.