Endometriosis

Low urgency
Common-

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

The cause is unknown although it has a hereditary component.

The disease presents abdominal and/or pelvic pain, very profuse bleeding during the menstruation and pain during sexual intercourse.

The diagnosis is clinical established through a questioning and a physical examination. It is confirmed through an ultrasound or cystoscopy with bladder biopsy.

Treatment includes analgesia and hormonal contraceptives, as well as surgery in more severe or refractory cases.

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

Intense abdominal pain that unables doing day-to-day life activities
More than usual menstrual bleeding
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for a hormonal treatment.