Suffering from chronic pelvic pain? Wondering if it's endometriosis? We asked the National Institutes of Health for answers to basic questions. We know: All About EndometriosisWhat is endometriosis?Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus, usually on the surfaces of organs in the pelvic and abdominal areas, in places that it is not supposed to grow. What causes endometriosis?The exact cause is not known, although there are a variety of theories. Who gets endometriosis?Endometriosis can affect any menstruating woman, from the time of her first period to menopause, regardless of whether or not she has children, her race or ethnicity, or her socio-economic status. Endometriosis can sometimes persist after menopause; or hormones taken for menopausal symptoms may cause the symptoms of endometriosis to continue. What are the common symptoms of endometriosis?
What are the common treatments for endometriosis?
Does it affect fertility and childbearing?About 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile, making it one of the top three causes for female infertility. However, endometriosis-related infertility is often treated successfully using hormones and surgery. | |||||
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