Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the presence and growth of the glands and stroma of the lining of the uterus in an aberrant or heterotopic location. It is benign, but in many women, it is a progressive disease. The prevalence of endometriosis has been suggested to be 10% of women and is found predominantly in women of childbearing age. Symptoms of endometriosis are nonspecific, but the most common symptom is pelvic pain. The cause of endometriosis is uncertain and may involve retrograde menstruation, metaplasia. There are three phenotypes of endometriosis that include ovarian endometrioma, superficial peritoneal endometriosis, and deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE). The extent of diseases varies considerably from isolated peritoneal lesions to widespread pelvic adhesions, infiltrating lesions, and ovarian cysts. Laparoscopy is only recommended in patients with negative imaging results and/or unsuccessful or inappropriate empirical treatment. 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