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What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus grow in other areas of your body, especially around your ovaries and uterus. This condition affects about one in seven women of reproductive age.

    Diagram showing endometriosis and the uterus

    The endometrial cells found outside the uterus grow to form patches that bleed and leak fluid around the time you have your period. This can lead to inflammation, scarring and lumps (nodules). The patches stay in different parts of your body, for example, the lining of your pelvis and abdomen, your upper abdomen, your abdominal wall or, more rarely, outside your pelvic area.

    In this short video, Jean Hailes gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Dr Pav Nanayakkara, talks about endometriosis, including symptoms and management options.

    This con­tent has been reviewed by a group of med­ical sub­ject mat­ter experts, in accor­dance with Jean Hailes pol­i­cy.

    1
    Endometriosis, How common is endometriosis? Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Published December 14, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2024.
    Last updated: 
    27 February 2024
     | 
    Last reviewed: 
    19 February 2024

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