However, as the tissue outside the uterus has no way to flow out of the body, it remains inside the abdomen causing discomfort and pain. Several theories related to the development of endometriosis include microscopic tears in the uterine wall either during or after a pregnancy, uterine perforation during an abortion procedure, hormone imbalances causing the development of excess tissue or tissue alteration by means unknown. The signs and symptoms of endometriosis include painful menses, pain with sexual intercourse, lower back or abdominal pain, sterility and constipation. In advanced cases of endometriosis, pain of the bladder, kidneys and bowel may become evident as well. The pain associated with endometriosis can be a constant pain or could be cyclic coming in cycles associated with the cycles of menstruation.
Endometriosis can have a negative effect on a woman s ability to conceive a child.
As the endometrial tissue may be attached to or surrounding organs required in the reproductive process the fallopian tubes and ovaries these organs may develop adhesions, which can prevent proper egg movement, deposition into the uterus or fertilization. It is suspected that the estimated number of women who suffer from endometriosis is much higher then the statistics show. Due to the need for invasive procedures such as laparoscopy to obtain a definitive diagnosis, medical professionals and women who are suspected to have endometriosis may decide to treat the signs and symptoms instead of electing for the diagnosis procedures. As most physicians can make a suspected diagnosis, treatment of the signs and symptoms of endometriosis can begin immediately. However, aggressive treatment for the disease itself cannot begin without a concrete diagnosis including medical findings via invasive procedures.