Final answer:
The statement that endometriosis primarily affects women over 65 is false. Endometriosis can cause infertility due to scar tissue formation or hormonal disruptions caused by the ectopic endometrial tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, not a rare one, and while it can affect women of any age, it is more commonly diagnosed in women of reproductive age, rather than those over 65. Therefore, the statement "Endometriosis is a rare gynecologic disease that affects women over 65 years of age" is false.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of it. Common sites for these growths include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining. This ectopic endometrial tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions, potentially leading to infertility. A common theory related to this is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body.
Infertility can occur due to the formation of scar tissue that damages the reproductive organs or disrupts their normal function, or from blockages and distortions caused by the endometrial implants which affect the normal passage of egg and sperm. Additionally, inflammatory changes related to endometriosis can disrupt the hormonal environment necessary for conception and implantation.