Endometriosis

• Endometriosis Overview
• Endometriosis Causes
• Endometriosis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Endometriosis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related endometriosis articles:
  Endometriosis - on WebMD

Endometriosis - on MedicineNet

Endometriosis Overview

Endometriosis is a common disorder of the female reproductive organs and is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain in women.

• In women who have endometriosis, tissue like the lining of the uterus—the endometrium—grows in other parts of the abdominal cavity. The endometrial tissue may attach itself to the ovaries, the outside of the uterus, the intestines, or other abdominal organs.

• Some 5.5 million American women will experience problems with endometriosis. Studies indicate that endometriosis occurs in 10-33% of women aged 25-35 years. Half of young girls with chronic pelvic pain will have endometriosis. The average age at diagnosis is 27 years, but many women have symptoms for years before a certain diagnosis is made.