Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining of the uterus) exists outside the uterus. This tissue responds to the menstrual cycle and swells over the course of the month, just as the uterine lining does. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. More rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond the pelvic organs.
Symptoms vary depending on the extent and location of the abnormal tissue. Pain may occur in the lower abdomen or back and can be felt as a dull ache, cramping, or pressure. The pain may worsen or, less commonly, improve during menstruation. Other areas may also be painful, such as the rectum or pubic bone, and constipation may be present. Between 30% and 40% of women with endometriosis experience infertility. Many patients also report severe dysmenorrhea that begins in their 20s or 30s. Although there is officially no known cause of endometriosis, some research suggests it may be linked to exposure to environmental toxins.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain associated with menstruation. While many women experience cramping during their menstrual periods, women with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that is far more severe than usual. Other common symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, constipation, or nausea.
Additional symptoms can include:
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Dysmenorrhea (pain and cramping associated with menstruation)
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Painful intercourse
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Pain during bowel movements or urination
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Excessive menstrual bleeding
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Infertility
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Bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia)
