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Conditions InDepth: Endometriosis

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

En Español (Spanish Version)

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Endometriosis is when the tissue that lines the uterus (womb) grows outside of it. Common places it may grow are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis.

The tissue is part of the menstrual cycle. Hormones cause it to swell, break down, and bleed. It will also do this when it grows outside of the uterus. This causes pain and problems getting pregnant.

Endometrial Lesions

What are the risk factors for endometriosis?

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

What are the treatments for endometriosis?

Are there screening tests for endometriosis?

How can I reduce my risk of endometriosis?

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Where can I get more information about endometriosis?

REFERENCES:

Brown R, Byrne D, et al. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG73. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management. National Guideline Alliance (UK). NICE 2017 Sep.

Endometriosis. ACOG website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Endometriosis. Updated January 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.

Endometriosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometriosis. Updated August 30, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.

Endometriosis. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis. Updated April 1, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 11/17/2020

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