Invasive bacteria may trigger endometriosis, study suggests

(David Nield/ Science Alert) — A type of bacteria commonly found in human oral and gut flora could play a major role in the development of endometriosis, scientists have discovered – potentially giving us crucial insight into the development of the painful condition, and opening up new ways to treat it.

That would mean fresh hope for the millions of women living with the debilitating effects of endometriosis. The condition can lead to heavy periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and prolonged periods of pain, and experts aren’t sure what causes it, though they have a few ideas.

In a new study, a team of researchers from Nagoya University and other institutions in Japan looked at tissue samples from 79 women with endometriosis and 76 healthy women, finding a strong correlation between Fusobacterium and the disease.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the endometrium – the layer of tissue covering the inside of the uterus – start growing in other areas, like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It’s in the endometrium where the bacteria was found. (…)