Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue most commonly affects pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining, but it can also involve nearby organs like the bowel and bladder, and in rare cases, even more distant parts of the body

. During the menstrual cycle, this ectopic endometrial-like tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining does, which causes it to grow, break down, and bleed. However, because this tissue is outside the uterus, the blood and tissue cannot exit the body normally, leading to inflammation, irritation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions (sticky bands of scar tissue) that can bind organs together

. The main symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Pelvic pain, especially during menstrual periods, but also possibly chronic pain outside of menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination, particularly during periods
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• Fatigue, bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
• Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One theory is retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body, depositing endometrial cells outside the uterus

. Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women and people with a uterus of reproductive age and can significantly impact quality of life due to pain and fertility issues

. There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve fertility. These include pain medications, hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills), and surgical options like laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue

. In summary, endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where uterine- like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and often fertility challenges, with treatment focused on symptom relief and improving reproductive outcomes.