Library of Frequently Asked Questions
Endometriosis
Endometriosis (en-doe-mee-tree-O-sis) is a condition that normally affects women between the ages of thirty and forty and can lead to infertility.
The endometrium is a membrane that lines the surface of the uterus. When endometriosis occurs, fragments of endometrial tissue develop outside the uterus, on the ovaries, or other places in the abdominal cavity. These fragments respond to the hormonal changes of each menstrual cycle by filling with blood, the same way as the endometrial membrane does in the uterus. This creates blood-filled sacs called cysts.
Symptoms of endometriosis include pain in the lower abdomen, especially during periods, pain during sexual intercourse, and irregular menstrual cycles. Endometriosis may exist without any symptoms. Treatment options vary and depend on the extent of the condition.
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