Women's Health

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity that causes inflammation, pain and fibrosis; suspect it from period-related pelvic, bowel, urinary or sexual symptoms, investigate and treat in parallel, and tailor decisions to pain, fertility and disease location.

Definition

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, causing inflammation, pain, adhesions, endometrioma and possible subfertility. It may be suspected clinically and is not excluded by normal examination or ultrasound.

First principles

Endometriosis is hormonally responsive ectopic tissue

Endometriosis consists of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterine cavity, commonly on the peritoneum, ovaries or pelvic organs. Its exact cause is not established; retrograde menstruation is one proposed mechanism, but immune, inflammatory, genetic and metaplastic processes also contribute. The deposits respond to ovarian hormones and can generate inflammation and fibrosis.

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