What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the
endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus)
is found elsewhere in the body.

Endometriosis lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries,
the fallopian tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites include the
uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal
septum.

In addition, it can be found in caecarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars,
and on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum.

In rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder,
on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates
to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that
doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe
and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways.

Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a
woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together,
causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis."