What is endometriosis

  Endometriosis is called endometriosis (EMT) when the endometrial tissue (glands and mesenchyme) with growth function appears outside the mucous membrane covering the uterine cavity.  The incidence of EMT, with dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility as the main manifestations, is a common disease among women of childbearing age, and the incidence of the disease has increased significantly in recent years, accounting for about 10% to 15% of women of childbearing age and 40% to 60% of women with dysmenorrhea. Among infertile patients, 30% to 40% have EMT combined, and the incidence of infertility among EMT patients is about 40% to 60%.  The disease is generally seen only in women of childbearing age, with women aged 25 to 45 years being the most common. Ectopic endometrial tissue can be gradually atrophied and absorbed after menopause or bilateral removal of ovaries. Pregnancy or the use of sex hormones to suppress ovarian function can temporarily prevent the development of this disease, so EMT is a hormone-dependent disease. Although EMT is a benign lesion, it has the ability to metastasize, infiltrate and grow like a malignant tumor at a distance. Ectopic endometrium can invade any part of the body, the most common site of implantation is the pelvic organs and peritoneum, with invasion of the ovaries and fundic ligament being the most common, followed by the uterus, uterine rectal recess, dirty peritoneal layer, vaginal rectal diaphragm and other parts, hence the name pelvic EMT.