Endometriosis of the peritoneum - what is it?

Endometriosis of the peritoneum is considered to be one of the most common and at the same time incomprehensible pathologies in gynecology. This diagnosis is made quite often. However, as a rule, it is difficult for women to understand exactly what they have discovered, why it is necessary to treat endometriosis of the peritoneum and how dangerous this condition can be.

In order to understand, first, you need to have an idea of menstruation and endometrium.

From inside the uterine cavity is lined with mucous membranes. This shell is called the endometrium. It consists of two layers. Functional (if there was no pregnancy) is rejected during menstruation monthly. From the basal layer every month a new functional one grows.

Menstrual discharge is a mixture of fragments of the endometrium and blood. Virtually every woman, they not only go outside (through the vagina). A certain part of the discharge enters the abdominal cavity through the tubes. There they are normally destroyed with the help of special protective cells.

However, purging from menstrual flow occurs in the abdominal cavity not always. Fragments of torn mucous are able to attach to tissues, implant and take root in them.

In other words, endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrium of the uterus is located outside its cavity in the form of separate foci. Mucous can take root in various parts of the body. However, most often endometriosis of the peritoneum is detected.

After the fragments of the mucosa have taken root, they begin to develop on the same principle that existed in the uterine cavity. Under the action of the ovarian hormone, foci (explants) begin to increase in size. Then part of them is rejected. Thus, peritoneal endometriosis provokes a lot of small menstruation along with the main one.

In view of the development of miniature rejection in the peritoneum, which is sufficiently innervated, the processes are accompanied by painful sensations. This is the main symptom that accompanies the disease "endometriosis".

This theory of pathology development is called "implantation". It is considered one of the oldest and most probable. There are, of course, other theories about the onset of endometriosis. Thus, it is assumed that pathological foci can be formed due to the transformation into cells of the endometrium of peritoneal cells, genetic predisposition, immunological disorders or as a result of hormonal effects.

To promote the development of pathology, anything that provokes a more frequent ingestion of secretions into the peritoneal cavity.

The foci of endometriosis are found not only in the peritoneal region, but also in completely different tissues and organs. It should be noted that such phenomena are rarely identified. Presumably, fragments of mucosal tissue can spread through the body through the blood or lymphatic system, as well as penetrate into the wounds during surgery.

Taking into account the localization of the foci,

- external endometriosis of the pelvic peritoneum, ovarian tubes, wide ligament of the uterus, an anterior space;

- internal endometriosis, affecting the body of the uterus;

- extragenital with lesions of the intestine, bladder, scar on the perineum after dissection during the resolution of labor, lungs, other organs.

Segregated fragments can be of different size, color or shape. As a rule, the foci are represented by small red, black, yellow, brown and other seals scattered along the peritoneum. In some cases, foci merge and infiltration of tissues. Typically, this phenomenon is typical for the ophthalmic area and the site of the ligament of the uterus.