Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue of the lining of the uterus, called the ‘endometrium’, is found outside the uterus, affecting other organs in the pelvis such as the bowel or ovaries.

Endometriosis usually develops in women of reproductive age.

Most endometriosis is found on structures in the pelvic cavity: ovaries, fallopian tubes, the front and back of the uterus, uterine ligaments, intestines and the bladder.

Endometriosis may spread to the cervix and vagina or to sites of a surgical abdominal incision.

This condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility.

Endometriosis is the most common gynaecological problem after fibroids. The National Endometriosis Society estimates that between 1.5 and 2 million women in Britain have endometriosis. In the US, that number is closer to 5 million. 10% of Australian women suffer from endometriosis.

Facts and Figures about Endometriosis

• 2-15% of women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis.
• Most patients with endometriosis are in their 20s and 30s.
• Endometriosis is in the top three causes of infertility.
• 30-40% of women are infertile because of endometriosis.
• Some women have no symptoms and only become aware of having endometriosis when they start trying to conceive.
• Rarely, endometriosis persists after menopause; sometimes, hormones taken for menopausal symptoms may cause the symptoms of endometriosis to continue.

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