What is endometriosis?
The endometrium is the layer of cells that line the inside of the uterus. A woman with endometriosis has endometrial cells growing on the surfaces of organs that lie outside the uterus. The most common symptoms are chronic pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is a common condition: about 25 percent of women of childbearing age in the USA have endometriosis.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms of endometriosis include lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, painful menstrual periods, prolonged menstrual periods, chronic pelvic pain, chronic low back pain, and pain during intercourse.

How does the doctor treat endometriosis?
Treatment for endometriosis may include hormone therapy, birth control pills, narcotic pain medications, medications to suppress endometriosis, and surgery. Hysterectomy may be an option for some women.