Endometriosis

Endometriosis effects 10% of the female population and 30% of women who have delays conceiving. Symptoms include some or all of the following: pelvic pain, period pains, irregular bleeding particularly pre-menstrual and delays conceiving. In some people the only symptom of endometriosis is delayed fertility.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to endometrium (uterine lining) is found in sites other than within the uterine cavity. The most common sites include ovary, adjacent to the ovary, behind the uterus, bladder, bowel and other internal structures.

Endometriosis can be diagnosed in some cases with good quality ultrasound, however, often diagnosis is dependant on key-hole or laparoscopic surgery.

Treatment of fertility related endometriosis relies upon assisted reproduction such as IVF with surgery for patients with significant pain symptoms or who do not wish to undergo IVF and related procedures.