Endometriosis is a chronic, multisystemic and inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue found outside the uterus. The word comes from endometrium = uterine lining and osis = condition. Endometriosis* is endometrium-like tissue found outside the uterus. The tissue is histologically different from endometrium, as endometriosis tissue produces its own hormones and has its own receptors. Scar tissue** endometriosis is the endometrium located outside the uterus. * This type of endometriosis is called primary endometriosis in Denmark, but is most often referred to as just endometriosis. ** This type of endometriosis is called secondary endometriosis in Denmark.

There are many theories about how endometriosis occurs, but the prevailing theory is Mülleriosis and the Embryonic Origin Theory. The theory suggests that endometriosis occurs while an embryo is developing. It will also explain why endometriosis is found in patients both with and without a uterus, children, adults as well as men and women. The tissue has been found on extrapelvic and pelvic organs. Scar tissue endometriosis This type of endometriosis occurs when the endometrium is placed outside the uterus during surgery on the uterus - for example during a caesarean section. It can be placed in scar tissue or typically in the abdominal cavity. This type of endometriosis is limited exclusively to patients with a uterus.

The symptoms can be: dysmenorrhea bloated belly (endo belly) pain during orgasm/intercourse pain when urinating pain during defecation nausea ovulation pain sub/infertility constipation exhaustion endometrioma (chocolate cyst)

The diagnosis of [primary] endometriosis can often be made based on the detailed patient history and the symptoms. A doctor may choose to perform an ultrasound scan, but it often will not show anything unless an endometrioma is present. An MRI scan may also be performed, which may show infiltrating endometriosis tissue. The only sure way to make the diagnosis is with an exploratory laparoscopy, where a biopsy of the tissue is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Scar tissue endometriosis Scans can be made of the suspected area, which, together with previous surgical history and patient history can confirm the suspicion of endometriosis.

So far, endometriosis cannot be cured. The symptoms can be managed via hormone therapy, pain management and certain lifestyle changes - or surgery.