Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain with sex, and infertility in 30-40% of cases. The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through a surgical laparoscopy. Treatment options include hormonal therapies like birth control pills, GnRH agonists, or surgery to remove endometrial growths, with hysterectomy being used in more severe cases.

2. What is endometriosis?
 Endometrial implants can be found in
various areas of the body including the
vagina, vulva, cervix, uterus, fallopian
tubes, ovaries, ureterosacral
ligaments, peritoneum, pelvic cavity,
bladder, bowel, intestines, appendix
and or rectum

3. Causes of endometriosis
 Retrograde menstruation
 Embryonic cell growth
 Fetal development
 Surgical scar
 Endometrial cell
transport
 Genetics
 Hormones
 Immune system

4. Syntoms of endometriosis
 Severe menstrual cramps unrelieved with
NSAIDS
 Long-term lower back and pelvic pain
 Longer than average periods lasting more
than 7 days in duration
 Heavy menstrual bleeding causing the
need to change your pad or tampon every
1-2 hours
 Bloody stool or urine

5. Syntoms of endometriosis
 Bowel and urinary problems including
pain, diarrhea, constipation and
bloating
 Nausea and vomiting
 Fatigue
 Painful sex
 Intermenstrual spotting/bleeding
 Infertility can be experienced in 30-
40% of those with endometriosis.

6. Risk factors
 Age: most commonly experienced in women
ages 30-40
 Null parity: never giving birth
 Genetics: one or more relatives with the
disease (mother, aunt, sister, etc.)
 Medical history: having a condition preventing
expulsion of menstrual blood, pelvic infection or
uterine abnormalities
 Menstrual history: menses lasting more than 7
days or menstrual cycles <27 days.

7. Complications
 Include infertility, increased risk of
developing ovarian cancer or
endometriosis-associated
adenocarcinoma, ovarian cysts,
inflammation, scar tissue and
adhesion development and intestinal
and bladder complications

8. Tests and diagnosis
 The only way to confirm
endometriosis is by undergoing a
surgical laparoscopy.
 Pelvic exam, radiologic imaging with
ultrasound or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)

9. Treatments for endometriosis
 Hormones: treatment with hormonal
therapies such as hormonal birth
control, Gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and
antagonists, Medroxyprogesterone or
Danazol. Placement of an intrauterine
device may also be recommended

10. Treatments of endometriosis
 Surgery: a conservative approach is
initially taken removing the areas of
endometriosis, however hysterectomy
with removal of both ovaries may be
necessary
 Fertility treatments: pregnancy
may be recommended via
in-vitro fertilization