Endometriosis

In endometriosis, the tissue lining the uterine cavity (the endometrium) implants outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or other pelvic or abdominal locations. Similar to the uterine endometrium, endometriosis implants can bleed during menses, causing pain, inflammation and scarring.

Endometriosis has been described in many areas of the body, even in the lungs and skin. It is estimated that approximately one-third of women with infertility have endometriosis. How the endometriosis contributes to diminished fertility is not always understood. Many women with endometriosis have pain and compromised fertility while many others are asymptomatic with no pain or compromised fertility. The cause(s) for endometriosis are unknown and therefore, while treatments are available, no known cure has been described to date.

Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed by blood tests, ultrasound examinations, CAT scans, MRI scans or other non-interventional means. The diagnosis is made visually or by biopsy of pelvic tissue at the time of laparoscopy. Treatment options depend on the patient’s age, the existence of pain or infertility, the extent of the endometriosis and the presence of other fertility-related factors. Treatment can be medical, surgical, or a combination of both.

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