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Review
. 2024 Aug 4;16(8):e66128.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.66128. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Exploration of Inflammatory Mechanisms and Fertility Implications

Sachin Rathod  1 , Amardeep Shanoo  1 , Neema Acharya  1
Affiliations
Review

Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Exploration of Inflammatory Mechanisms and Fertility Implications

Sachin Rathod et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. This condition poses significant challenges due to its chronic nature, debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility, and substantial impact on quality of life. Central to the pathogenesis of endometriosis are inflammatory mechanisms that perpetuate tissue proliferation, adhesion formation, and immune dysregulation within the pelvic cavity. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of endometriosis, influencing the severity of symptoms and complications associated with the disease. Dysregulated immune responses contribute to the persistence of ectopic endometrial implants, exacerbating pelvic pain and other symptoms experienced by affected individuals. Moreover, the inflammatory milieu created by endometriotic lesions disrupts normal ovarian function, impairs follicular development, and compromises reproductive outcomes, thereby posing challenges to fertility. This review comprehensively explores the inflammatory mechanisms underlying endometriosis and their implications for fertility. Synthesizing current research and clinical insights elucidates the intricate interplay between inflammation, disease progression, and reproductive health outcomes. Understanding these complex interactions is essential for developing targeted diagnostic strategies and optimizing therapeutic approaches tailored to alleviate symptoms and improve fertility outcomes in individuals with endometriosis. Ultimately, this review aims to enhance the understanding of endometriosis pathophysiology, inform clinical practice, and stimulate further research to advance personalized care and management strategies for this challenging condition.

Keywords: disease pathogenesis; endometriosis; fertility implications; immune dysregulation; inflammatory mechanisms; reproductive health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Common symptoms of endometriosis
Image Credit: Dr. Sachin Rathod
Figure 2
Figure 2. Challenges in the diagnosis of endometriosis
Image Credit: Dr. Sachin Rathod
Figure 3
Figure 3. Diagnostic methods for endometriosis
Image Credit: Dr. Sachin Rathod
Figure 4
Figure 4. Role of inflammation in endometriosis progression
Image Credit: Dr. Sachin Rathod
Figure 5
Figure 5. Mechanisms of infertility in endometriosis
Image Credit: Dr. Sachin Rathod
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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