Endometriosis is a relatively common condition that can cause significant pain and suffering. At the other end of the scale, it can exist without any symptoms at all. Overall, between 1 in 20 and 1 in 10 women aged between 15-45 years have endometriosis. If you suffer from infertility the chance of endometriosis being present is about 1 in 3-4.
It used to be believed that the disease is more common in professional women over the age of 30, but this misconception is now well disproved. It does not usually occur before puberty (though it has been reported), and it can present for the first time in women who have already had children. Further information can be found on the pages below:
Introduction
What exactly is endometriosis and what problems can it cause?
Diagnosis
How do I find out if I've got endometriosis?
Treatments
An overview of treatment options available.
Drug treatment
A detailed description of the various drugs used to treat endometriosis.
Surgical treatment
Laparoscopy and open surgery options, treatment results and recurrence risks.
See also the following:
New Zealand Endometriosis Foundation website
National electronic Library for Health (NeLH) professional resources on endometriosis: pelvic pain, infertility