Definition of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that behaves like the cells lining the uterus (endometrium) grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and possible .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Each month a woman’s ovaries produce hormones that stimulate the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) to multiply and prepare for a fertilized egg. The lining swells and gets thicker.
Symptoms
Pain is the main symptom for women with endometriosis. This can include:
Signs and tests
Tests that are done to diagnose endometriosis include:
Treatment
Treatment options include:
Expectations (prognosis)
Hormone therapy and pelvic laparoscopy cannot cure endometriosis. However, it can partially or completely relieve symptoms in many patients for a number of years.
Review
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/2/2009
