International Journal of Midwifery Nursing And Practices Original Research

A Comprehensive Review of Literature on Endometriosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

  1. Ritu Department of Nursing, Galgotias University
  2. Anshika Rosha Department of Nursing, Galgotias University

Abstract

The endometrium, a tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus, develops outside the uterus in endometriosis, a chronic and frequently painful illness. Other parts of the body may also be affected, however the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis are the most frequently affected. Infertility, heavy menstrual flow, and pelvic pain are the main signs of endometriosis, though each person may experience these symptoms to varying degrees. Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, numerous factors are thought to play a role, including immune system dysfunction, retrograde menstruation, genetic predisposition, and hormonal influences, especially estrogen, which appear to be important in the development and persistence of endometriosis. Research indicates that the immune system may not recognize and destroy the displaced endometrial tissue, allowing it to grow outside the uterus. In order to diagnose endometriosis, a combination of imaging techniques, clinical examination, and laparoscopic surgery, which enables direct visualization and biopsy of the lesions, is frequently used. Due to the intricacy and fluctuation of symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult, and many women encounter delays in getting the care they need.

Keywords

References (10)

  1. Giudice LC, Kao LC. Endometriosis. The Lancet. 2004;364(9447):1789-1799. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(04)17403-5
  2. Parasar P, Ozcan P, Terry KL. Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management. Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports. 2017;6(1):34-41. doi:10.1007/s13669-017-0187-1
  3. Abramiuk M, Grywalska E, Małkowska P, Sierawska O, Hrynkiewicz R, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. The Role of the Immune System in the Development of Endometriosis. Cells. 2022;11(13):2028. doi:10.3390/cells11132028
  4. Macer ML, Taylor HS. Endometriosis and Infertility. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2012;39(4):535-549. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.10.002
  5. Vercellini P, Viganò P, Somigliana E, Fedele L. Endometriosis: pathogenesis and treatment. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2013;10(5):261-275. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.255
  6. Guo C, Zhang C. Role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of endometriosis: a review. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024;15. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1363455
  7. Burney RO, Giudice LC. Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility. 2012;98(3):511-519. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.029
  8. Wallach EE, Cook AS, Rock JA. The role of laparoscopy in the treatment of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility. 1991;55(4):663-680. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(16)54228-9
  9. Kajihara H, Yamada Y, Kanayama S, Furukawa N, Noguchi T, Haruta S, et al. New insights into the pathophysiology of endometriosis: from chronic inflammation to danger signal. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2010;27(2):73-79. doi:10.3109/09513590.2010.507292
  10. Hufnagel D, Li F, Cosar E, Krikun G, Taylor H. The Role of Stem Cells in the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Endometriosis. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. 2015;33(05):333-340. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1564609