What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue from the lining of the uterus, also called endometrium, grows outside the uterus. This growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines or other areas in the pelvis. This tissue acts just like the endometrium in accumulating blood during a woman’s monthly menses, but has no place to shed the blood at the end of the cycle. The accumulation of tissue and blood can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to other conditions like pelvic pain and infertility. Blood trapped in the ovaries may develop into benign cysts called endometriomas. 

Between 25 and 50 percent of infertile women are estimated to have  endometriosis. Endometriosis affects more than one million women in the United States and at this time, the exact cause of the condition is unknown.

Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of endometriosis worsen over time. The severity of symptoms varies, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Symptoms may recede after menopause or during pregnancy, though they will return after the woman has the baby and begins menstruating again.

Diagnosis

In diagnosing endometriosis, your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms and conducting a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities, though these are typically hard to detect without other, more advanced tests. 

For more information about endometriosis, visit https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/endometriosis or visit our Education Tab.

Treatment & Management

There are several different treatment options available for endometriosis. Your doctor will discuss each treatment in detail and help you determine those that best meet your needs. Treatment may depend on the severity of your condition, your age and whether or not you are planning to have children, and whether you have any other associated conditions