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Endometriosis is a reproductive problem that affects millions of women and girls around the world.1,2 It causes painful, life-impacting symptoms and may affect work and school attendance.1,2
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus.1,3 When it grows in places it should not normally be, most commonly on the ovaries and the pelvic peritoneum1 (the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis),4 inflammation and scar tissue develop in the pelvic area.2
Endometriosis is illustrated below:
While the cause of endometriosis is unknown,5 suggestions include:
However, none of these fully explain why endometriosis occurs.5
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:1
Women with endometriosis are also likely to have depression and anxiety.1
Did You Know? There is not enough data on how many people in a community of African women suffer from endometriosis. More locally focussed research into this difficult condition is needed.6
A patient with endometriosis symptoms may undergo a series of diagnostic tests:5
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women and girls of reproductive age globally (190 million people).2 It can severely affect a patient’s quality of life, causing stress and fatigue.7 Painful periods can also make it difficult or even impossible to attend work or school.2
5b. Jerman LF, Hey-Cunningham AJ. The role of the lymphatic system in endometriosis: A comprehensive review of the literature. Biol Reprod. 2015;92(3):64. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.114.124313
