What are the theories of endometriosis?

Stem cell theory posits that the cells responsible for the regeneration of the endometrial lining during one's menstrual cycle play a role in the development of endometriosis. The spreading of these stem cells to ectopic regions can then lead to the differentiation of endometrial cells and cause endometriosis.

What are the four theories of endometriosis?

The current literature suggests that stem cells, dysfunctional immune response, genetic predisposition, and aberrant peritoneal environment may all be involved in the establishment and propagation of endometriotic lesions.

What is the theory of endometriosis?

Two main theories exist for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. One theory is that endometrial tissue is spread by retrograde menstruation or by vascular and/or lymphatic spread. The second theory holds that the serosal epithelium of the peritoneum undergoes metaplastic differentiation into endometrium-like tissue.

What are the three theories that are thought to be the cause of endometriosis?

Classically, three theories exist to explain the etiology of endometriosis; 1) Sampson's theory, 2) Meyer's theory, and 3) Halban's theory. The most often quoted theory, and to date the one supported by the most evidence, is Sampson's theory of transplantation and implantation.

What is the most widely accepted theory about the origin of endometriosis?

Retrograde Menstruation Theory

The most widely accepted theory for the origin of endometriosis has been for a long time that of retrograde menstruation, proposed one century ago by Sampson (17).

Theories of Endometriosis

What is Sampson's theory?

Sampson's theory: Sampson contended that endometriosis arises as the result of retrograde flow of menstrual discharge from the uterus through the fallopian tubes, with spill of endo- metrial cells on to the ovary and other sites in the pelvis.

What is Metaplastic theory of endometriosis?

The metaplastic theory suggests that pelvic endometriosis may be derived through the metaplastic transformation of peritoneal meso- thelium. Initial morphologic observations have confirmed that en- dometriosis may manifest as a serial change from the adjacent meso- thelial cells.

What is the pathophysiology of endometriosis?

The most widely accepted hypothesis for the pathophysiology of endometriosis is that endometrial cells are transported from the uterine cavity during menstruation and subsequently become implanted at ectopic sites.

What is the origin of endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but there are several theories that explain how and why endometriosis happens. Retrograde menstruation is one popular theory of its origin in which blood and tissue from a woman's uterus travel through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity during her period.

Can men endometriosis?

The occurrence of endometriosis in men is extremely rare. Only a few cases of endometriosis in men have been reported in the literature. [1,2,3] The present case describes a uterine-like mass endometriosis attached to the urinary bladder and extending into the inguinal canal area in a man with a history of cirrhosis.

How many stages of endometriosis are there?

Endometriosis is classified into one of four stages (I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate, and IV-severe) depending on location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants; presence and severity of adhesions; and presence and size of ovarian endometriomas (Figure 2).

How do you check for endometriosis?

What is the implantation theory?

The most often cited theory, that of implantation, proposes that the physiological phenomenon of endometrial reflux in the fallopian tubes during menstruation may, in certain conditions, overcome local defense mechanisms, implant, and proliferate.

How can you prevent endometriosis?

Although there's no way to totally prevent endometriosis, you may be able to lower your chances of getting the condition and to manage your symptoms if you do get it. The condition happens when the endometrium, the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus, grows outside of it instead.

Is endometriosis a disease?

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility (1). Endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally (2).

Is endometriosis an autoimmune disease?

Endometriosis isn't currently classified as an autoimmune condition, but does share some characteristics and may increase the risk of autoimmune conditions co-occurring.

Is endometriosis genetic or hereditary?

The condition often affects members of the same nuclear family, such as sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. People with cousins who have the condition are also at an increased risk. Endometriosis can be inherited via the maternal or paternal family line.

What are risk factors for endometriosis?

Factors that May Increase the Risk of Endometriosis

Have a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis. Started their periods at an early age (before age 11) Have short monthly cycles (less than 27 days) Have heavy menstrual periods that last more than 7 days.

What causes retrograde menstruation?

Retrograde menstruation occurs when menstrual blood and uterine tissue enters the peritoneal cavity by flowing through the fallopian tubes. The possible relationship between this phenomenon and endometriosis was first described by Dr. John Sampson in the 1920s, and this theory prevailed for decades.

How does retrograde menstruation cause endometriosis?

In retrograde menstruation, shed tissue flows through the fallopian tubes, enters the pelvic cavity and adheres to tissue in the pelvic cavity leading to formation of ectopic endometriosis lesions.

What cells are in endometriosis?

Broadly, the endometrium is composed of two cell types: the glandular epithelium and the supporting mesenchymal cells, which include stromal fibroblasts, the vasculature, and leukocytes.

Who coined the term endometriosis?

It was John A. Sampson who created the name endometriosis⁶ seven years after his fundamental paper on ovarian endometriomas⁷. Above all, he must be credited for providing the first theory on the pathogenesis of the disease.

When was endometriosis discovered?

Introduction. Endometriosis was first described by Rokitansky in Vienna in 1860 and was later given the name endometriosis by Sampson in 1925. It is estimated to affect 7–10% of women in general and 38% of infertile women, though the true incidence of this disease in the general population may never be known.

What is a reverse period?

Retrograde menstruation occurs when blood flows backwards into the pelvis instead of out of the vagina during menstruation. Retrograde menstruation is common, and occurs to some degree in most women who have their period.

Can endometriosis spread to lymph nodes?

It is known that the incidence of lymph node metastasis in pelvic endometriosis is relatively rare. Our report shows that endometriotic tissue can metastasize via the lymphatic route and suggests that endometriotic tissue has the characteristics of invasion and metastasis.