Endometriosis is endometrium in an ectopic location that contains endometrial glands and stroma. In other words, it is uterine-like tissue that is growing outside the uterus causing pain and/or infertility. Its cause is unknown. There are many theories and people who will tell you they know what causes it, but every answer has contradictions. It could be genetics. It could be retrograde menses. It could be congenital. It could be all of the above or none of the above. We simply don't know.

One of the most puzzling conditions affecting women, the cause of endometriosis is not yet known. The most common theory, however, is that "retrograde menstruation" causes some of the menstrual tissue to back up through the fallopian tubes and implant in the abdomen. Endometrial cells in the menstrual fluid may then attach themselves to various sites in the pelvic cavity and cause growths.

Approximately 15% of all women during the childbearing years develop some degree of endometriosis before reaching menopause. The most common symptoms of the disease are pre-menstrual and menstrual pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse and urinary or bowel problems in conjunction with menstruation. In more serious cases, scar tissue may form on the ovary or fallopian tube, thus causing infertility.

A physician can only definitively diagnose endometriosis using a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. During this minor outpatient surgical procedure, a slender light-transmitting microscope, the laparoscope, is inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen, often the navel so the scar will be invisible. Before insertion of the laparoscope, the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide to help separate the intestines from the pelvic organs.

There is currently no absolute cure for Endometriosis, but there are several methods of treatment, which may alleviate some of the pain and symptoms associated with it.

Not likely. There have been documented cases of malignant chances associated with Endometriosis and higher risks of certain cancers in women with the disease, but Endometriosis itself is classified as a benign illness.

There is no current manner of preventing Endometriosis, and it is not a disease which is "contracted" or "caused" by anything the patient did - nor is it contagious. It is, however, highly suspected to be genetic. I heard tampons and sex can prevent Endo. There was a study done on this by a major institution and it was all over the news, so it must be true. False.

Yes. For an update on some promising developments, visit our article, "Endometriosis: Past, Present & Future". Wrong. Hysterectomy treats Endometriosis ONLY on the organs that were removed. Endometriosis implants also have no need for external sources of estrogen, so regardless of whether you are on HRT or not, if all disease was not removed, you may likely continue to experience symptoms.