Endometriosis

Epic card · No. 6028

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the endometrium—the lining of the uterus (womb)—grows elsewhere in the body. The tissue most often grows close to the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of the pelvis. It can also appear on the bowel, bladder, and in some cases on the lungs or skin. Worldwide, endometriosis affects approximately 10% of the female population of reproductive age, representing nearly 200 million women. Symptoms typically begin in adolescence or the early 20s, and tend to improve after menopause as estrogen levels go down. Symptoms vary widely between individuals. Some have no symptoms, while for others it is a debilitating disease. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, heavy and painful periods, pain with bowel movements, painful urination, painful sex, fatigue, and infertility. Beyond bodily symptoms, endometriosis can affect a person's mental health and social life. It is not known exactly what causes the disease. Possible causes...

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