Tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside uterus. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Endometriosis
Tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside uterus
Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus.
It can cause severe pain, especially during menstrual periods, and fertility problems.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may ask about menstrual pattern, pain, discharge, bleeding, pregnancy possibility, contraception, medicines and sexual health. Pelvic examination, pregnancy testing, ultrasound or infection testing may be considered.
Care may include review for pregnancy, infection, hormonal or structural causes, medicine treatment, procedures or specialist follow-up. Ask what findings are expected and which need urgent review.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, fainting, fever with severe pelvic pain, or signs of a serious infection.
Symptoms
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Excessive bleeding
- Infertility
Possible causes
- Retrograde menstruation
- Transformation of peritoneal cells
- Surgical scar implantation
- Immune system disorders
Care and treatment options
- Pain medications
- Hormone therapy
- Conservative surgery
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Hysterectomy (severe cases)
Key points
- Affects 10% of women
- Usually diagnosed in 30s-40s
- Can cause infertility
- Treatment improves quality of life
Preparing for a consultation
- Last menstrual period, cycle pattern and pregnancy possibility.
- Pain, bleeding, discharge, fever or urinary symptoms.
- Contraception, medicines and previous gynecological history.
- Recent test, ultrasound or treatment records.
Questions worth asking
- Is Endometriosis the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Endometriosis?
Tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside uterus This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Endometriosis?
A clinician may ask about menstrual pattern, pain, discharge, bleeding, pregnancy possibility, contraception, medicines and sexual health. Pelvic examination, pregnancy testing, ultrasound or infection testing may be considered.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Pain medications, Hormone therapy, Conservative surgery, Assisted reproductive technology. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Endometriosis be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, fainting, fever with severe pelvic pain, or signs of a serious infection.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Last menstrual period, cycle pattern and pregnancy possibility. Pain, bleeding, discharge, fever or urinary symptoms. Contraception, medicines and previous gynecological history. Recent test, ultrasound or treatment records. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Endometriosis can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.