Endometriosis: Epidemiology, classification, pathogenesis, treatment and genetics (review of literature)

Abstract

Endometriosis is a "mysterious" disease and its exact cause has not yet been established. Among the etiological factors, congenital, environmental, epigenetic, autoimmune and allergic fac¬tors are listed. It is believed that the primary mechanism of the formation of endometriosis foci is retrograde menstruation, i.e., the passage of menstrual blood through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity and implantation of exfoliated endometrial cells. However, since this mechanism is also observed in healthy women, other factors must also be involved in the formation of endome¬triosis foci. Endometriosis is in many women the cause of infertility, chronic pain and the deterio¬ration of the quality of life. It also represents a significant financial burden on health systems. The article presents a review of the literature on endometriosis—a disease affecting women throughout the world.