Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles, leading to inflammation, scarring, and fibrosis. It affects about 190 million women globally, starting from menarche through menopause.

This diagram shows endometriosis patches on reproductive organs, highlighting abnormal tissue growth beyond the uterus.

Key Symptoms

Common signs include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and pain during sex or bowel movements. Additional issues involve infertility (in 30-40% of cases), fatigue, nausea, and bloating. Symptoms often worsen cyclically but can persist.

Causes and Risk Factors

Exact causes remain unclear, but retrograde menstruation—where tissue flows back through fallopian tubes—is a leading theory. Genetic factors, immune responses, and estrogen dependency contribute. Risks rise with family history, early periods, or short cycles.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically requires laparoscopy to visualize lesions. Treatments manage symptoms via pain relievers, hormonal therapies, or surgery to remove tissue. No cure exists, but these improve the quality of life and fertility odds.