Endometriosis is certainly not a malignant condition but it is nevertheless a disease that progressively gets worse. When particles of mucous membrane adhere to the peritoneum, they are subject to the same cyclic changes as the “normal” cells of the uterus. The difference is that, unlike menstrual blood, this blood is unable to flow to the outside of the body; it therefore accumulates in the abdominal cavity. This results in all kinds of problems, such as pain, impaired function of certain organs, even tissue lesions. The disease can also cause infertility. Less commonly, particles of uterine mucous membrane are transported some distance by the lymphatic vessels (for example in the navel) or by the blood vessels (for example in the lungs).

Endometriosis tends to get worse over time. New islands of mucous membrane are constantly being formed. This is why the symptoms generally intensify as well. Every time there is bleeding from endometriosis sites, inflammation occurs in the surrounding area. Furthermore, particles of mucous membrane remain attached to other organs (bladder, bowel, etc.) or even penetrate these organs. This can impair the function of the affected organs and produce typical symptoms, such as renal pain and pain when urinating or defaecating. Colicky pains and diffuse pelvic pains may also occur.

The aim of any treatment is to arrest this process, destroy the endometriosis sites and prevent the disease from spreading and worsening.

A disease which spreads in the body

Under the influence of the female hormones, islands of endometrium which have migrated into the abdominal cavity penetrate other organs where they form endometriosis sites. Monthly bleeding from endometriosis sites encourages the spread of the disease in the body.