New Therapy for Endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is the presence of tissue resembling endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. The anatomical sites most often affected by endometriosis are the ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, pelvic peritoneum, rectovaginal septum, cervix, vagina, vulva, and large bowel. Most authorities believe that endometriotic tissue arises as the result of retrograde transport of small fragments of viable endometrium from the uterine cavity through the Fallopian tubes and into the peritoneal cavity. Disease processes such as congenital cervical stenosis, which increase the severity of retrograde menstruation, appear to increase the risk of endometriosis.Endometriotic tissue is completely dependent on estrogen for continued growth. . . .