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Endometriosis affects 6% to 10% of premenopausal women.  This condition occurs when the tissue that forms the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is present outside the uterine cavity. The misplaced endometrium can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, intestines, and other abdominal organs.  Just like normal endometrium, misplaced endometrial tissue can grow, bleed, and breakdown with each menstrual cycle.  This can cause pain during intercourse, before or after menstruation, or at other times of the cycle.  Endometriosis can also cause infertility. 

The cause of endometriosis is not clearly understood.  There are several theories.  During menstruation endometrial cells may shed and travel up the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity during menstruation. Another concept is that endometrial cells may enter blood vessels and lymphatic system to deposit on tissues outside the uterus.  Finally, endometriosis may occur at sites where normal tissues are transformed and grow into endometrial tissue. 

Diagnosis starts with your history of symptoms and your menstrual periods.  If your symptoms, examination, and risk factors strongly suggest that you have endometriosis, there are several treatments available, including anti-inflammatory and pain medications, hormonal therapies, and even surgery.  Read more about Endometriosis.

The clinicians and researchers in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of California, San Diego have been instrumental in improving our understanding of the cause of endometriosis, the best diagnostic criteria, and developing the newest therapies.  Physician leaders like Dr. Sanjay Agarwal will work with patients on an individual level to determine the treatment plan that is right for them, including reducing pain levels, establishing regular menstrual cycles, and treating infertility.

The well known specialists at UCSD are researching several aspects of endometriosis.

• To schedule an appointment to be seen in Dr. Agarwal’s endometriosis clinic, call (858) 657-8745. 
• To inquire about participation in any of our current endometriosis-related pelvic pain or infertility research studies, please call (858) 534-8972.