Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells which line the uterus grow outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, uterus, bowels and fallopian tubes. The cells respond to female hormones in a way similar to endometrial cells inside the uterus, by multiplying and swelling through the month and breaking down at period time. The abnormal bleeding can cause organs such as the bladder or bowel to ‘stick’ to the uterus or distort the fallopian tubes and ovaries, affecting fertility.

The symptoms of endometriosis include painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, abdominal, pelvic or back pain, nausea and fatigue. The pain experienced during menstruation can be disabling and severely affect a women’s ability to function each month. Up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility.

Current medical treatment includes pain relieving medication, surgery and drugs to control hormonal stimulation of the endometrial tissue.