Endometriosis

Evidence-based guides on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating endometriosis throughout life—including deep infiltrating, bowel, bladder, diaphragm disease, and endometriomas—plus fertility, cancer signs, pain, and work and disability.

Bladder Endometriosis Bowel Endometriosis Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Diaphragmatic Endometriosis Endometriomas Menopause & Hormonal Transitions Stages & Progression Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES)

Overview

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, most often on the ovaries, peritoneum, bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and nerves. It can cause severe period and pelvic pain, pain with sex, bowel or urinary symptoms, fatigue, and sometimes infertility—yet some people have few signs. Symptoms can begin in adolescence, fluctuate with hormones, and persist after pregnancy or menopause, affecting school, work, and daily life.

Guides here focus on recognizing patterns of disease, the path to diagnosis, and options to control symptoms and protect fertility over time. Learn when to use clinical evaluation and Diagnostics & Imaging such as Ultrasound and MRI, when laparoscopy is considered, and how results shape care. Explore approaches ranging from hormone and pain therapies to organ‑sparing Surgery and Excision Surgery, complemented by whole‑person support within Integrative & Holistic Medicine. For organ‑specific information see Bowel Endometriosis, Bladder Endometriosis, Diaphragmatic Endometriosis, and Endometriomas. Distinguish endometriosis from coexisting Adenomyosis and understand implications for Fertility & Reproductive Health and Menopause & Hormonal Transitions.

How is endometriosis diagnosed—do I need surgery?

Diagnosis starts with symptoms and pelvic exam, supported by high‑quality transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic MRI that can detect deep disease and ovarian endometriomas. Laparoscopy with pathology remains the gold standard and enables treatment, but many people begin evidence‑based medical management without surgery; see Diagnostics & Imaging, Ultrasound, and MRI.

Can endometriosis be cured, or is remission the goal?

There is no proven permanent cure. Excision surgery can remove visible disease and improve pain and fertility, while hormonal therapies suppress activity and reduce symptoms; long‑term remission often requires ongoing, individualized care and follow‑up.

Does endometriosis always progress or get worse over time?

Progression is variable—some lesions stay stable for years, while others advance, particularly deep infiltrating disease. Regular reassessment guided by symptoms and selective imaging helps detect change, and timely treatment may reduce complications; learn more in Stages & Progression.

How does endometriosis affect fertility, and when should I seek help?

Endometriosis can impair egg quality, tubal transport, and implantation, increasing time to pregnancy and miscarriage risk for some. Seek fertility evaluation after 6–12 months of trying (earlier if over 35 or with severe symptoms); options include optimizing medical care, targeted excision, and assisted reproduction such as IVF; see Fertility & Reproductive Health, Infertility, and IVF & ART.

How is endometriosis different from adenomyosis?

Endometriosis involves endometrium‑like tissue outside the uterus, whereas adenomyosis occurs within the uterine muscle and often causes heavy, crampy periods and an enlarged, tender uterus. They frequently coexist and can amplify pain and fertility challenges; imaging patterns and uterine‑focused therapies guide adenomyosis care; see Adenomyosis.