Endometriosis: epidemiology and aetiological factors

Paola Viganò, Fabio Parazzini, Edgardo Somigliana, Paolo Vercellini
Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology · 2004 · vol. 18(2) , pp. 177–200 · doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2004.01.007 · PMID:15157637 · W2167524225
review OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 525 in-corpus citations
View on OpenAlex View on PubMed View at publisher
⚙ AI-generated summary by gemini-2.5-flash-lite, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This paper reviews the epidemiology of endometriosis and discusses the various factors thought to contribute to its development.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

Estimates of the frequency of endometriosis vary widely. Based on the few reliable data, the prevalence of the condition can reasonably be assumed to be around 10%. Although no consistent information is available on the incidence of the disease, temporal trends suggest an increase among women of reproductive age. This could be explained-at least in part-by changing reproductive habits. Numerous epidemiological studies have indicated that nulliparous women and women reporting short and heavy menstrual cycles are at increased risk of developing endometriosis; data on other risk factors are less consistent. These epidemiological findings strongly support the menstrual reflux hypothesis. Additional evidence in favour of this theory includes the demonstration of viable endometrial cells in the menstrual effluent and peritoneal fluid, experimental implantation and growth of endometrium within the peritoneal cavity, observation of some degree of retrograde menstruation in most women undergoing laparoscopy during menses, and an association between obstructed menstrual outflow and endometriosis.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometriosis Adult Contraceptives, Oral Contraceptives, Oral Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Genetic Predisposition to Disease Humans Life Style Menstrual Cycle Middle Aged Ovarian Diseases Ovarian Diseases Peritoneal Diseases Peritoneal Diseases Risk Factors Vaginal Diseases Vaginal Diseases

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (100)

Cited by (50)

Source provenance

crossref
last seen: 2026-05-17T01:00:15.694105+00:00
europepmc
last seen: 2026-09-17T06:16:55.786923+00:00
openalex
last seen: 2026-06-10T17:14:06.276822+00:00
pubmed
last seen: 2026-05-13T22:12:32.173627+00:00
unpaywall
last seen: 2026-09-17T06:32:46.214484+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK