Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. It gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus (womb). In women with this problem, tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus in other areas. These areas can be called growths, tumors, implants, lesions, or nodules.

Most endometriosis is found:

on or under the ovaries.
behind the uterus.
on the tissues that hold the uterus in place.
on the bowels or bladder.

Endometriosis rarely grows in the lungs or other parts of the body. This "misplaced" tissue can cause pain, infertility (not being able to get pregnant), and very heavy periods.

Causes of Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. The retrograde menstruation theory (transtubal migration theory) suggests that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and grows. Some experts believe that all women experience some menstrual tissue backup and that an immune system problem or a hormonal problem allows this tissue to grow in the women who develop endometriosis.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The following signs and symptoms of Endometriosis is :

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) - Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into your period and may include lower back and abdominal pain.
Pain at other times - You may experience pelvic pain during ovulation, a sharp pain deep in the pelvis during intercourse, or pain during bowel movements or urination.
Excessive bleeding - You may experience occasional heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).
Infertility - Endometriosis is first diagnosed in some women who are seeking treatment for infertility.

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Ultrasound
Laparoscopy
Blood test

Treatment of Endometriosis

Treatment depend on the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. Pharmacologic and surgical treatment of endometriosis may be beneficial for managing chronic pelvic pain. Conservative therapy for young women who want to have children includes:

androgens such as danazol
progestins and continuous combined hormonal contraceptives (pseudopregnancy regimen) to relieve symptoms by causing a regression of endometrial tissue
GnRH agonists to induce pseudomenopause (medical oophorectomy), causing remission of the disease (commonly used).
laparoscopic removal of endometrial implants with conventional or laser techniques
presacral neurectomy for central pelvic pain; effective in about 50% or less of appropriate candidates
laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) also for central pelvic pain, although definitive studies supporting the efficacy of LUNA are lacking
total abdominal hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingooophorectomy.

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