Endometriosis

Low urgency
Common-

Presence of the tissue that lines the uterus, or endometrium, outside the cavity of the uterus. It can grow in ovaries, fallopian tubes, the bladder or intestines.

The cause is unknown although a hereditary component has been described.

It presents with abdominal pain, pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding during menstruation and pain during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis is clinical based on questioning and gynecologic examination. It is confirmed by ultrasound or cystoscopy with biopsy.

Treatment includes analgesics and hormonal contraceptives. More severe cases or those resistant to medical treatment require surgery.

Bibliographic references
  1. Janet E. Hall. Trastornos menstruales y dolor pélvico. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. 335:338.
  2. Robert S Schenken, MD. Endometriosis: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. UpToDate. Jan 13, 2017.
  3. Vercellini P, Viganò P, Somigliana E, Fedele L. Endometriosis: pathogenesis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2014; 10:261.
  4. Gustofson RL, Kim N, Liu S, Stratton P. Endometriosis and the appendix: a case series and comprehensive review of the literature. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:298.
  5. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:1244-56.
  6. Johnson NP, Hummelshoj L, Adamson GD, et al. World Endometriosis Society consensus on the classification of endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2017;32(2):315-24.
  7. Agarwal SK, Chapron C, Giudice LC, et al. Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019(4):354-64.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Painful sexual intercourse


    Persistent menstruation pain


    Painful periods


    Lower abdominal pain


    Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days

Symptoms to watch out for

Severe abdominal pain, which does not allow you to perform activities of daily living
Menstrual bleeding heavier than usual
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding hormone treatment.