Endometriosis is a condition that affects the female reproductive organs. An estimated 5-10% of the female population experience endometriosis during their menstrual years.

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. In normal circumstances it breaks down and is expelled on a monthly basis this is menstruation. Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium is found outside of the uterus. Common sites of migration include the Pouch of Douglas, ovaries and peritoneum a thin layer of tissue that covers organs in the pelvic cavity. Deposits outside of the pelvic cavity are rare.

The misplaced endometrium is still subject to hormonal triggers; it breaks down and bleeds on a regular basis, often causing pain and inflammation. This can result in adhesions - bands of fibrous scar tissue that bind organs together, often affecting fertility.

Symptoms vary but can include:

Severe period paid (the most common symptom)
Pain during intercourse (more than 50% of sufferers report this problem)
Pelvic pain
Ovulation pain
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Lower back pain
Bowel or bladder symptoms

Some women experience no symptoms and are only diagnosed when they try to fall pregnant though it should be noted that less than half of women with endometriosis will experience infertility.

Endometriosis is classified by stages but it is not necessarily related to the severity of symptoms. For example, a woman with stage 4 endometriosis the most severe may only experience mild symptoms. The grade depends on the location, size and activity of implants. Generally the symptoms become more severe over time as the condition worsens but some women report symptoms remaining constant for many years and yet others have reported improvement as the condition resolves itself.

Endometriosis was first described in 1921 by an American doctor named John Sampson. The cause of endometriosis is still not fully understood. The most popular theory is that menstrual fluid from the uterus flows backwards through the fallopian tubes and out into the pelvic cavity to be deposited onto surrounding tissue. This is known as retrograde or reflux menstruation. Because the menstrual fluid contains endometrial cells, these are then able to implant on organs and grow into endometrium. Retrograde menstruation theory does not explain those rare cases where endometrium deposits are found outside of the pelvic cavity.

It is also believed that our modern lifestyles have attributed

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