PREVALENCE AND ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Аннотация

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to pain, infertility, and diminished quality of life. Globally, it affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, equating to over 190 million individuals. Despite its prevalence, the etiology remains multifactorial and not fully understood. This literature review synthesizes current knowledge on the global prevalence and potential etiological factors of endometriosis, including genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, and anatomical anomalies. Understanding these factors is crucial for early diagnosis, effective management, andthedevelopment oftargeted therapies. Keywords: Endometriosis, Prevalence, Etiology, Genetics, Hormonal Imbalance, Immune Dysfunction, Environmental Factors Introduction. Endometriosis is a debilitating condition wherein endometrial-like tissue proliferates outside the uterine cavity, commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. Clinically, it manifests through chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. The global burden is substantial, with estimates indicating that approximately 10% of women of reproductive age are affected, translating to over 190 million individuals worldwide. The condition not only impairs physical health but also exerts psychological and socio-economic impacts. Despite its high prevalence, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains elusive, attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors. Diagnostic delays are common, averaging 6.7 to 11.6 years globally, due to symptom variability and lack of non-invasive diagnostic tools. This review aims to consolidate current epidemiological data andexplorethemultifactorial etiological theories underpinning endometriosis. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on publications from 2015 to 2025. Keywords used were "endometriosis prevalence," "endometriosis etiology," "genetic factors," "hormonal imbalance," "immune dysfunction," and "environmental exposure." Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that provided data on the prevalence and etiological factors of endometriosis. Exclusion criteria included case reports, editorials, and studies lacking robust methodological frameworks. Data extraction focused onprevalencerates, diagnosticdelays, and proposed etiological mechanisms.