Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, commonly causing pain and sometimes leading to infertility.
Symptoms can vary but often include painful periods, pelvic pain not related to menstruation, pain during or after sex, and infertility.
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of medical history, pelvic exams, imaging tests, and sometimes laparoscopic surgery.
Treatment options include pain medication, hormone therapy, and surgery to remove the endometrial tissue or, in severe cases, the uterus and ovaries.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is estimated to affect about 10% of women of reproductive age, with symptoms often starting in adolescence or early adulthood.
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition.