by Keith Redfern

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Endometriosis gets its name from the endometrium which are cells forming the lining of the uterus - endo' meaning inside, and metra' meaning uterus.

In cases of endometriosis this cell tissue is deposited elsewhere and the reason for this is unclear, although there are several theories. Some sources claim that one in ten women of child bearing age have the condition, although others say it is closer to 1 - 7%. Neither figure can be considered certain as diagnosis is only possible after surgery.

Occurrence bears no relation to ethnic or racial origin, and the condition can affect women who have and have not had children. Sometimes symptoms persist after menopause, in which case the condition can be particularly serious and painful.

It is thought that in 10% of cases the condition affects the bowel, although endometriosis can also affect other organs, occurring most often in the pelvic cavity, where its cells may be found on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, behind the uterus, or on the bladder or intestines.

The cell tissue causing the endometriosis passes through similar monthly cycles as the endometrium itself, sometimes with the result of swelling and bleeding, thus causing pain as the bleeding is not able to escape through the vagina. The trapped blood can form scar tissue, sometimes called lesions, which can adhere to the body organs concerned.

Pain and cramps during a menstrual cycle are common first symptoms of endometriosis, and sometimes there will be evidence of blood on faeces during the cycle. Pain can also relate to ovarian cyst development, and after a sustained period of time with the condition, pain can also spread to the lower back. Bleeding may continue for long after the end of the cycle, and the resultant scar tissue may cause organ damage.

In about a third of cases the endometriosis will cause infertility, and the inability to conceive may be the first apparent symptom. Other symptoms may be: pain during sexual intercourse, irregular or heavy periods, or a change in the menstrual pattern, pain during bowel movements and acute fatigue.

The only sure way to confirm the condition is by minor surgery involving the insertion of a laparoscope, which would be carried out under general anaesthetic.

There is no known cure for endometriosis although treatments are available to reduce pain and bleeding, to reduce the growth of unwanted tissue growth, and to improve the likelihood of fertility. A hysterectomy cannot be expected to cure the condition as it would only remove reproductive organs, and the problem may lie with developing tissue elsewhere. The correct treatment for a particular patient may depend on her age, the severity of her symptoms and her desire for children.

Endometriosis is not a form of cancer, and although ovarian cysts may be caused by endometrial tissue growth, these should not be confused with a cancerous condition.

It should also not be assumed that all forms of pain in the lower back, hip and pelvic areas are due to endometriosis. There could well be other reasons.

Endometriosis is not a fatal condition, although it can cause acute and prolonged pain and the heartache of infertility.

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