The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. Every month when a period happens, the lining comes out in the menstrual flow. Endometrial tissue normally grows only in the uterus. Sometimes, tissue like the endometrium starts growing outside the uterus. It can grow on the surface of the uterus or bladder, on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, or in other areas of the pelvis. When you have your period, this tissue swells and bleeds, just like the lining of the uterus. The bleeding can cause cysts, scar tissue and adhesions. Adhesions are abnormal tissue that binds organs together. There are several ideas about why endometriosis happens. The actual cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms at all. Others may have the following:

• Painful periods, lower back pain and abdominal pain. The pain and cramping may be before or after your period.
  
  
• Pain with your periods which seems to have gotten worse over time
  
  
• Heavy periods or bleeding between periods
  
  
• Deep pain in the pelvis when you have sex
  
  
• Pain with bowel movements or with urination
  
  
• It may be harder to get pregnant
  

How does my doctor know I have endometriosis?

The symptoms of endometriosis are like some other health problems. To find out if you have endometriosis, the doctor might do a laparoscopy. The doctor will be able to see inside to look at your pelvic organs.

How is endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed:

• The doctor might remove the tissue from outside the uterine organs.
  
  
• Pain can be helped with medicine.
  
  
• Warm baths and heating pads on the stomach may help you relax.
  
  
• Regular exercise may help take the edge off the symptoms.
  
  
• Sometimes birth control pills help.
  
  
• Medicines that alter the female hormones may help.
  
  
• In severe cases a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries (removal of all of a woman’s reproductive organs) may be the best treatment.
  

How long does treatment take?

Medicines often help the pain. When the medicines are stopped, however, the pain might come back.

What about getting pregnant?

Do not try to get pregnant while you are taking these medicines! Follow your doctor’s instructions about pregnancy and birth control.