What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition of women where lining of the womb or uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus. Common places to see endometriosis are the ovaries, the pouch of douglas (space between the uterus and the bowel), uterosacral ligaments (connective tissue between the cervix and the sacrum), pelvic side walls (skin inside the pelvis beside the ovaries and fallopian tubes). Sometimes (in 10% of women with the disease) endometriosis can be found on or in the bowel (especially rectum and appendix). Endometriosis can also be seen in more unusual places such as the lung cavity, the nose, old scars such as caesarean section or episiotomy scars.