Endometriosis, a condition where the womb lining grows outside of the uterus, is becoming such a common phenomenon that around two million women in the UK suffer from it. 500,000 of them are so severely affected that it has damaged their fertility and their ability to work and enjoy an intimate relationship. Endometriosis symptoms are painful periods, painful sex, ovary pain and cramping and extreme tiredness. Worldwide, there are 176 million females with the diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a modern syndrome, first described by Thomas Cullen in 1921. Since its inception, its incidence has been increasing. The cause is not known but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental and immune factors.

The immune component of endometriosis was first found in 1981 when they discovered women with endometriosis had deficient cellular immunity. Later, in 1983, an over-activation of the immune system was identified in the form of increased white blood cells.

Now, a research team from The Department of Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has added to this knowledge base by isolating pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of the abdominal cavity in 77 women with endometriosis. Cytokines are cell signalling molecules that regulate the inflammatory response of the immune system. Usually, acute inflammation is a positive immune defence to injury or injection. Immune helper cells and anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents rush to the site of infection to begin the repair job and this causes the classic redness and swelling we associate with inflammation. Sometimes, however, this immune defence can become chronic or even occur when there is no infection present.

The team discovered a pattern of activity of 13 types of cytokine linked to the development of ovarian and recto-vaginal lesions and also implicated in infertility in the women. Although this is a step forward, they still don’t know what triggers this immune response. If they can better understand the mechanisms they could come up with new treatments – or even a cure – for endometriosis.

If you have endometriosis symptoms and want a diagnosis or you need support and advice about conceiving with endometriosis, you can rely on the friendly and efficient service of Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. Mr Colin Davis is a specialist in gynaecology and in fertility and can help you both in the management of your condition and in achieving your dream of starting a family.

You can call 020 7034 5000 for a prompt and personalised appointment.