Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus grows outside it, often in other pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder. 

This tissue can cause pain, inflammation and scar tissue and can also affect the normal functioning of the organs.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), pain during sexual intercourse and infertility. However, some people with endometriosis may have no symptoms at all.

The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but there are several theories. One theory is that during menstruation, part of the tissue covering the endometrium (inside the uterus) may flow backwards through the fallopian tubes and be implanted in other parts of the pelvis. Another theory is that endometrial tissue can be transported to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Endometriosis is usually diagnosed through laparoscopic surgery, in which a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to see the pelvic organs and tissue. Treatment options for endometriosis may include pain medications, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove tissue. In some cases, a combination of these approaches may be recommended.

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