Chronic condition in which endometrial tissue is located at sites other than the uterine cavity
Aetiology
The exact cause of endometriosis is unclear, but several theories exist including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and lymphatic or vascular dissemination of endometrial cells
Risk factors
Early menarche
Family history
Sites
Ovary ('chocolate' cyst)
Pouch of Douglas
Peritoneal surfaces, including uterus
Cervix, vulva, vagina
Bladder, bowel etc.
Clinical features
Symptoms
Cyclical pelvic pain, which occurs at time of menstruation