Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of all ages. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium that lines the inner wall of the uterus grows in other areas of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, rectum, kidneys, or other organs, causing inflammation and severe pain. Endometriosis can also be a cause of infertility in women. Mild forms of endometriosis are common and may not require treatment.

Who can get endometriosis?

Any woman who menstruates can get endometriosis. Endometriosis most often occurs between the ages of 25 and 40, but it can also occur in younger women. This condition can also persist after menopause in some women, although this is very rare.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Many times, endometriosis has no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• dysmenorrhea
• pain during intercourse
• difficulty conceiving
• abdominal cramps or back pain during your period
• gastrointestinal problems

There is no connection between symptoms and the severity or extent of endometriosis. In other words, patients with very mild disease may have very severe symptoms, while those with severe disease may not experience significant symptoms.

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

The treatment of endometriosis can be primarily surgical and can also be supplemented with medication. The type of treatment depends on the patient's age, desire for pregnancy, intensity and duration of symptoms, stage of the disease and whether it is a primary disease or a recurrence.

The medications used can:

• To regulate the cycle and symptoms, these include oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatories, painkillers 
• To completely interrupt the cycle, aiming for complete regression of endometriosis foci. These include specific hormonal treatments 

Surgically, today, large endometriomas are treated laparoscopically.

In cases of severe endometriosis, infertility treatment options such as artificial insemination and/or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. Your Obstetrician-Gynecologist is the best source of information for your specific situation.