What is Endometriosis?

It is a condition where “patches" of endometrium grow outside the uterus commonly in the abdomen or lower abdomen. Patches are often attached to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, large bowel, bladder, uterosacral ligaments or pouch of Douglas.

Many women with mild endometriosis have no symptoms whilst others may experience pain, heavy periods, problems with the bladder or bowel and sometimes infertility. Patches will increase in thickness or bleed during the woman's monthly cycle, which is why most women with endometriosis will have more severe symptoms during their periods.

Endometriosis occurs in approximately 1 in 10 women, develops between the ages of 12 and 50 with symptoms showing signs between the ages of 20 and 30. Doctors cannot predict who is likely to develop this condition.

What causes Endometriosis?

Although doctors have been able to diagnose endometriosis for more than 100 years the exact causes are still unknown. In nearly all women, small amounts of endometrium are inside the pelvic cavity and abdomen during a normal period. However, not all women have endometriosis.

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