Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic disease characterised by cells resembling the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) growing in places outside of the uterus. These cells are most commonly found in the pelvis, but can be found almost anywhere in the body with bowel, liver, and even lung involvement identified. The causes are as of yet unknown with hormonal, genetic, and immune origins theorised.
People with endometriosis can experience a range of symptoms with the most predominant being pelvic pain, but can also include fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and infertility. The severity of these symptoms is unrelated to the severity of endometriosis lesions.
To date the only definitive diagnosis is surgical and while there are many potential treatments their efficacy is limited and variable. There is no cure for endometriosis. (1)
1. Agarwal SK, Chapron C, Giudice LC, Laufer MR, Leyland N, Missmer SA, et al. Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2019;220(4):354.e1–354.e12.