Cases of endometriosis (chocolate cyst) that went unnoticed in the past appear to have increased today. Many studies and experiences show that environmental factors and chemicals also prepare the ground for this disease. While the research carried out and the developing medical technology offer a wide variety of treatment options, they also provide significant ease in making the diagnosis. That is why today awareness about diseases is higher than in the past. Even so, it is not possible to establish a definite cause-and-effect relationship about endometriosis. Because the rate at which this condition is seen is higher in women with a family history of endometriosis (chocolate cyst), genetic factors are one of the most basic factors. In these women, endometriosis can be seen 3 times more often than in other women. Along with this, it is known that environmental factors that affect the immune system trigger the disease. Today, studies are still continuing so that the risk of endometriosis can give information about genetic predisposition.
The most frequent places where endometriosis (chocolate cyst) is seen:
- In the abdominal cavity, especially on the ovaries
- In the tubes belonging to the uterus
- In the ligaments that support the uterus
- In the vagina (in the area between the womb and the anal canal)
- On the outer surface of the uterus
- On the surface of the abdominal cavity called the pelvis
The factors that can cause endometriosis (chocolate cyst) to appear:
- The flow of blood during the menstrual bleed from the tubes into the abdomen (retrograde menstruation)
- A disorder of the immune system (immune dysfunction)
- The change of one tissue into another type of tissue (metaplasia)
- Environmental toxins and chemicals
The factors that increase the risk of endometriosis (chocolate cyst)
- Women who have had problems during menstruation (severe pain, heavy bleeding)
- Women between the ages of 25 and 40
- Those who have a case of endometriosis in the family
- Those who have a congenital uterine anomaly
- Those who consume excessive amounts of red meat, fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol
- Those who are tall, thin and fair-skinned
- Those with a history of infertility
- Those who began having periods early (before the age of 11)
- Those who enter the menopause late
- Those whose menstrual cycle is shorter than 27 days
- Those whose period lasts longer than 7 days
- Those whose menstrual bleeding is heavy
- Those who have children late
It cannot be said that it is possible to take precautions against endometriosis (chocolate cyst). However, it is thought that factors such as keeping the body fat ratio low, regular exercise and healthy eating reduce the risk of the disease. The appearance of some types of ovarian cancer together with endometriosis (chocolate cyst) has caused research on this subject to intensify. However, there is still no definite finding. Although the causes of the disease have not been established with certainty, the existence of treatment options is reassuring for patients and their doctors. Endometriosis (chocolate cyst) has two separate treatment methods, surgical and drug treatment, and in some patients the two methods can be applied together. Generally, after the surgical procedure, drug treatment is continued for a while longer.