Endometriosis is a very painful disorder that affects the tissues lining the inside of the uterus. Endometriosis causes tissue to grow outside of your uterus. Endometriosis usually affects your ovaries, intestines, or the tissues lining your pelvis. It is rare for tissue to spread beyond your pelvic area. Many researchers have tried to find a cause for this disease, but to date, it remains unknown. There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are several treatments for the symptoms that endometriosis can cause. Background on Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is found outside the uterus. Endometriosis is found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the lining of the pelvic cavity and the outer surface of the uterus. Other sites are the vagina, cervix, vulva, intestine, bladder or rectum. In rare cases, it can also be found in the lungs, brain and skin. Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of all women during their reproductive years. That's about 176 million women who have symptoms of endometriosis. (Reference) Even though endometriosis growths are benign, they still cause many problems. Once a month, hormones cause tissue and blood to build up in a woman's uterine lining. If the woman does not become pregnant, the uterus excretes these tissues and blood. Tissue and blood leave the body through the vagina, this is called a period. In women with endometriosis, tissue and blood shed into the body during menstruation can cause pain, inflammation and scarring. When endometrial tissue grows, it covers the ovaries and can block the fallopian tubes. Trapped blood can form cysts. This will also form scar tissue and...... middle of paper...... e. These hormones have side effects on menopause. Progestins commonly known as Depo-Provera are used to reduce endometrial staining. Side effects of progestin may include weight gain, depression, and decreased bone growth. Hysterectomy is an option in severe cases of endometriosis. Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries may be the best treatment after the childbearing years. Conclusion Endometriosis is a painful condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis affects the ovaries, intestines and the tissues lining your pelvis. In endometriosis, tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because the endometrial tissue is displaced, it has no way to exit the body and remains trapped. When endometriosis affects the ovaries, cysts can form. Endometriosis most often causes pain and fertility problems can also develop..