Final answer:
Chocolate cysts of the ovaries are attributed to endometriosis. This condition, which causes endometrial-like tissue to grow outside the uterus, can lead to the formation of cysts and increase the risk of infertility due to internal scarring and anatomical changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chocolate cysts of the ovaries are attributed to endometriosis, a condition where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or in the pelvic cavity. These dislocated endometrial cells can form cysts in the ovaries, filled with old blood, which resemble chocolate in color, hence the name.
Endometriosis is a complex disease and its exact cause is not completely understood, but several factors including genetic mutations, retrograde menstruation, and environmental toxins have been suggested. Treatment for endometriosis may include pain medication and surgery, with the risk of recurrence if the surgery is less invasive than a hysterectomy.
A theory as to why endometriosis can lead to infertility involves the growth of endometrial tissue, which can cause scar formation or anatomical distortions of reproductive organs, potentially affecting egg release, fertilization, or embryo implantation.