Endometriosis (from endo, "inside", and metra, "womb") is a medical condition in women in which endometrial cells are deposited in areas outside the uterine cavity. The uterine cavity is lined by endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial cells deposited in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) continue to be influenced by these hormonal changes and respond similarly as do those cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often exacerbate in time with the menstrual cycle.

Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years; it has been estimated that it occurs in roughly 5% to 10% of women.Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis - October 15, 1999 - American Academy of Family Physicians Symptoms depend on the site of implantation. Its main but not universal symptom is pelvic pain in various manifestations. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility.

Pelvic pain

• dysmenorrhea – painful, sometimes disabling menstrual cramps; pain may get worse over time (progressive pain), also lower back pains linked to the pelvis
• chronic pelvic pain – typically accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal pain
• dyspareunia – painful sex
• dyschezia – painful bowel movements
• dysuria – urinary urgency, frequency, and sometimes painful voiding

Infertility

Many women with infertility have endometriosis. As endometriosis can lead to anatomical distorsions and adhesions (the fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs following recovery from an injury), the causality may be easy to understand; however, the link between infertility and endometriosis remains enigmatic when the extent of endometriosis is limited. ISNB 0-683-30379-1 It has been suggested that endometriotic lesions release factors which are detrimental to gametes or embryos, or, alternatively, endometriosis may more likely develop in women who fail to conceive for other reasons and thus be a secondary phenomenon; for this reason it is preferable to speak of endometriosis-associated infertility in such cases.

Other

Other symptoms may be present, including:

• nausea, vomiting, vertigo or diarrhea—particularly just prior to or during the period
• frequent menses flow or short menstrual cycle
• heavy or long menstrual periods
• some women may also suffer mood swings and fatigue

In addition, women who are diagnosed with endometriosis may have gastrointestinal symptoms that mimic irritable bowel syndrome.

Patients who rupture an endometriotic cyst may present with an acute abdomen as a medical emergency.

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