Another theory suggests that remnants of tissue from when the woman has an embryo may later develop into endometriosis or that some adult tissues retain the ability they had in the embryo stage to transform into reproductive tissue under certain circumstances. Surgical transplantation has also been cited as a cause in cases where endometriosis is found in abdominal surgery scars, although it has been found in such scars when direct accidental implantation seems unlikely. Treatment for endometriosis has varied over the years, but no cure has yet been found. Painkillers are usually prescribed for the pain of endometriosis. Treatment with hormones aims to stop ovulation for as long as possible and can sometimes force endometriosis into remission during the time of treatment and sometimes for months or years afterwards.
Side effects are a problem for some women with all hormonal treatments.
Because pregnancy often cause a temporary remission of symptoms and because it is believed that infertility is more likely the longer the disease is present, women with endometriosis are often advised not to postpone pregnancy. The woman might not yet have made a decision about childbearing, certainly one of the most important decisions in life. She may already be infertile. Other factors may also make the pregnancy decision and experience harder. Women with endometriosis may have higher rates of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage and one study has found that they have more difficult pregnancies and labors.