Groove Magazine Zimbabwe Issue 2 | Page 50

HEALTH Endometriosis is a gynecological condition which is prevalent more common in women who are experiencing than in fertile women. In this issue we shed light on a condition which not only affects the woman but society as a whole. What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside or lining the tissue of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder, although less commonly than other locations in the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis implants can 46 occur outside the pelvis, on the liver , in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lung or brain. Endometrial implants, while they can cause problems, are benign (not ca