Frequently asked
questions
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis)
is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones
in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found outside the womb
in the pelvis, and occasionally in more remote sites of the
body.
Every month a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes.
Hormones are naturally released which cause the lining of the
womb to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If
pregnancy does not occur this lining will break down and bleed. This
is then released from the body as a period.
Endometriosis cells react in a similar way – except
that they are located outside the womb. During the monthly
cycle hormones stimulate the endometriosis, causing it to grow,
then break down and bleed. This internal bleeding, unlike
a period, has no way of leaving the body. This leads
to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Endometrial
tissue can also be found in the ovary where it can form cysts,
called ‘chocolate cysts’ because of their appearance. For
more information, please click
here.
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