What to Know About Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis remains unclear, but women agree that it is painful. Endometriosis is a condition in which pieces of endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) migrate to other areas, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or other pelvic and abdominal areas.

The key sign that your abdominal pain might be endometriosis pain is if you feel pain in the lower abdomen. Many women report that endometriosis pain gets worse during their period.

Some possible causes of endometriosis include a displacement of endometrial cells via blood circulation, or cells from the uterine lining backing up into the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the uterus. Treatment of endometriosis pain may involve medication or surgery. Surgery may remove either the displaced tissue or the uterus and ovaries, depending on whether a woman wants to have children.

If you think you have endometriosis, get help from a professional. Use our free clinician finder tool by entering in your zip code to locate an expert near you.