This can occur over pelvic structures such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or on abdominal structures such as the bowel. Symptoms of endometriosis can include painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea and back pain.
Some women experience no symptoms from the disease.
Despite its relatively common occurrence, endometriosis remains a very puzzling disease. The reason that endometriosis develops has not clearly been understood. Although an ultrasound can detect ovarian cysts that may suggest endometriosis, in order to definitively diagnose endometriosis, a laparoscopy must be performed. A laparoscopy is an outpatient surgery where small incisions are made in the abdomen and a telescope and operating instruments are introduced to examine the pelvic structures. At the time of surgery, visible endometriosis can often be treated by destroying the implants with cautery or laser, or removing the scar tissue or cysts.