A condition where the lining of the uterus is found functioning at sites other than its usual location. The real cause is not known and the ectopic endometrial tissue may be found anywhere in the pelvis.
On the ovary the functioning Endometrium forms blood cysts with chocolate colored fluid, destroying the ovarian tissue and reducing the ovarian reserve. Further substances produced by the endometriosis affect the various steps of pregnancy. Thus the chance of conceiving or fecundity is reduced in endometriosis. Pain and infertility are the usual complaints. Diagnosis is by ultrasound if there is a cyst. With other modes of disease, laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis.