Definition

       
Endometriosis happens when tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus (endometrium) grows elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements or urination
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Infertility
• Very painful menstrual cramps
• Painful and heavy periods
• Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis
• Intestinal pain

Most endometriosis is found:

• On or under the ovaries
• Behind the uterus
• On or in the fallopian tubes
• On the bowels or bladder
• In the fallopian tubes
• Surface of the uterus

What is Endometriosis?

      
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Growths of endometriosis are benign (non-cancerous), but still can cause many problems. Women with endometriosis may have no symptoms and may first find out that they have endometriosis if they are not able to get pregnant.

As the misplaced tissue grows outside of the uterus,  it can cause pain, infertility and very heavy periods. It can cause scar tissue that may block the fallopian tubes. This is how it can be hard for women with endometriosis to get pregnant.

Most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women ages 25-35 years, but it can occur any time in women who menstruate. The condition mostly affects women who are in their childbearing years. In most cases, it is not a problem after menopause because a woman no longer has menstrual periods.

The two most common imaging tests to detect endometriosis are an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).