So then how does it spread to other parts of the body? There are a few theories that can possibly explain that also. The blood and lymphatic body systems transport endometriosis cells around the body to implant, grow and develop into endometrial implants (10). There is also the accidental transportation theory for women that had a small-contained area of endometriosis in the pelvic area, but developed it elsewhere after a surgery, In this situation, fragments of endometrium are accidentally transported to a new site during a surgery or delivery of a baby (10-11). With all of these possible causes of how endometriosis develops, it's only natural to wonder what the symptoms associated with this mysterious disease might be. .
For the most part symptoms of endometriosis can be divided into the following main categories: Pain, fatigue, bowel and bladder complications, heavy or irregular bleeding and fertility problems (Phillips 11). Depending on the symptoms you can narrow down the locations of the endometrial sites. The most common area for endometriosis is in the pelvic region. To narrow it down even more, "The ovaries are probably the most common site for endometriosis implants. The other common site are the peritoneum, uterosacral ligaments and the Pouch of Douglas" (Henderson 17). These organs are the closest to the fallopian tubes therefore supporting, in my opinion, the retrograde theory. As the disease becomes more chronic, it can also be found on less common sites of the body to include the appendix, surface of the bladder, outside surfaces of the uterus and fallopian tubes, surface of the small and large bowel (18). Although in more chronic cases, endometrium has been found everywhere in the body from the legs, lungs and even the brain. With the so many various combinations of the location endometriosis can develop in the human body, you would not possibly know where to start to look for a treatment option.