Endometriose und Adenomyose

Abstract

Peristaltic activity of the non-pregnant uterus serves fundamental functions in the early process of reproduction. Hyperperistalsis of the uterus is significantly associated with the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis. In women with hyperperistalsis fragments of basal endometrium are detached during menstruation and transported into the peritoneal cavity. Fragments of basal endometrium have an increased potential of implantation and proliferation resulting in pelvic endometriosis. In addition, hyperperistalsis induces the proliferation of basal endometrium into myometrial dehiscencies. This results in endometriosis-associated adenomyosis with a prevalence of about 90%. Adenomyosis results in impaired directed sperm transport and thus constitutes an important cause of sterility in women with endometriosis. The principal mechanism of endometriosis/adenomyosis is the paracrine interference of endometrial estrogen with the cyclical endocrine control of archimyometrial peristalsis exerted by the ovary thus resulting in hyperperistalsis. Minimal endometriosis of the fertile women, endometriosis and adenomyosis of the infertile women and adenomyosis of the parous peri- and postmenopausal women are considered as phenotypes of a pathophysiological continuum with uterine peristalsis playing a prominent role.