Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining implants itself in other areas of the pelvis, causing cysts and adhesions. It commonly affects women of reproductive age and causes painful periods, painful intercourse, and infertility. While the causes are unknown, potential factors include genetics, retrograde menstruation, immune problems, and estrogen levels. Diagnosis is usually via laparoscopy surgery. Treatment options include surgical removal of growths, hormonal therapy to suppress menstruation, and pain medication. Endometriosis has no cure but combination therapies can help manage symptoms and fertility issues.

2. Introduction
 Uterine lining implants itself to
other organs in the pelvic
region. Ex.. Ovaries, bladder,
fallopian tubes
 Appears as cysts and adhesions
 Causes a great deal of menstrual
pain
 Affects women of the
reproductive age
 Remains a “hidden” disease until
other problems arise

3. possible locations of endometriosis

4. Symptoms
 Pelvic Pain (acute or chronic)
 Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
 Painful bowel movements
 Premenstrual staining and abnormal bleeding
 Difficult urination and/or blood present in the
urine
 Infertility

5. Some Theoretical Causes
 Genetic, “runs in the family”
 Retrograde menstruation
 Problems in the immune system
 Estrogen

6. Effects on the Body
 Linked to infertility
 Miscarriages
 Loss of reproductive organs (hysterectomy)
 Psychologically damaging
 Chronic pain

7. Methods of Diagnosis
 Most cases diagnosed because of other complication(s)
 Laparoscopy is best detector and treatment option

8. Some Classifications
 Mild- Rare, scattered lesions, no scarring
 Moderate- Minimal adhesions and superficial
implants
 Severe- Reproductive organs are bound down by
growths, bladder and/or bowel may also become
affected

9. Stages

10. Photos
 A small adhesion on an
ovary about to be
removed surgically

11. Photos
 Endometriosis growing
on the ovary and
fallopian tube

12. Photos
 Severe endometriosis
on the back of the
uterus causing
adhesions of the bowel
and pelvic organs

13. Treatment Options- Surgical
 Laparoscopy- method of choice
 Conservative surgery
 Hysterectomy

15. Treatment Options- Non surgical
 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists,
Danazol, Gestrinone
 All acyclic, some high androgen, others high
progesterone, all low estrogen
 Negative side effects such as accelerated bone loss,
weight gain, nausea, breakthrough bleeding
 Pain killers (aspirin, morphine, and codeine)

16. Statistics
 6-58% of infertile women have endometriosis
 30-50% of women with endometriosis are infertile (twice
the rate of the general population)
 Up to 22% of women have no symptoms
 30-50% of women with this disease have had miscarriages
 Between 1965-1984 ~2 million US women between ages 25-
54 diagnosed received a hysterectomy
 Painful disease: 66% of women experience chronic pain
 1 out of 10 women from menarche to menopause can be
expected to have some degree of endometriosis EXCEPT
women with a sister, mother, or daughter already
diagnosed, then incidences double to 1 out of 5

17. Conclusion
 No cure
 Combination therapy involving surgery, hormones,
and (if needed) assisted reproduction