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ENDOMETRIOSIS RESOURCE CENTRE
Endometriosis is a very common gynaecological condition which affects millions of women around the world. It is a condition in which endometrial-like cells are found outside the uterine cavity. As these cells, like normal endometrial cells, are also under the influence of the female hormones, symptoms of endometriosis typically worsen with the menstrual cycle.
What is the Endometrium?
The endometrium is the lining of the uterine cavity. It consists of two layers, (i) the outer, "functional layer" which grows and sheds with the menstrual cycle, and (ii) the inner, "basal layer", which supports the outer layer. This layer can be thought of like the roots of grass, which allow the functional layer (the "grass") to re-grow after each "mowing".
The basic function of the endometrium is to allow implantation of the fertilized egg, and to nourish and nurture the dividing cells of the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy. If there is no implantation, the endometium sheds during menstrual flow.
How Common Is Endometriosis?
The actual incidence is not known, because making a definitive diagnosis would require invasive procedures, however, it is believed to affect between 5 to 10% of women. In certain groups of women, who are investigated for subfertility or pelvic pain, the incidence of endometriosis in these groups, has been found to be dramatically higher.
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