Endometriosis is a disorder that occurs when cells from the womb are found outside the womb. The cells attach to other organs. Why it occurs is not known. Many women have endometriosis without knowing it. Twenty percent of women in their teens to their 40's have this problem. Women rarely get this disorder after menopause.

The cells in endometriosis react to a woman's menstrual cycle by growing and bleeding. While this is normal for the cells within the womb, bleeding also occurs in those cells located elsewhere. This can cause pain and scarring. Pain with periods or sex is the most common complaint. Abdominal pain, loose stool or diarrhea may occur with periods if the intestines are involved. Some women have no pain but are not able to get pregnant. Treatment is available for all these problems. Tests may include:
* blood tests,
* an ultrasound, a test using sound waves to check the inside organs, and
* laparoscopy, a minor surgery using a special telescope and tools to see and treat the organs directly.

A diagnosis of endometriosis is made if endometrial tissue is seen outside of the womb. Treatment will depend on how much endometriosis is found and if the woman is having difficulty getting pregnant. Initial treatment is with drugs. Naproxen or ibuprofen are given to decrease pain and swelling. Birth control pills are given to lighten the bleeding. If these treatments do not work, drugs that stop the normal cycle are used for several months. Difficulty getting pregnant may last for a while after treatment.

Surgery may be needed when:
* there is a large amount of endometrial tissue outside the womb, or
* endometrial tissue covers the ovaries, and impedes ovulation.

In these cases, laparoscopy is used to cut or burn away scarring and growths. Rarely, surgery to remove the female organs may be done. Hormones may be given after the surgery to maintain a healthy, menopausal life.

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