Endometrioses occurs when a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, such as around the ovaries and fallopian tubes

Can last from a woman's first period until menopause

Affects women from all backgrounds

Long-lasting pelvic pain

Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods

Bleeding between periods

Pain with urination or bowel movement

Fatigue

Nausea or bloating

Anxiety or depression

Infertility (around 50% of women with infertility have endometriosis)

Currently, experts can't pinpoint a clear cause for endometriosis. However, people with a family history of endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

It is also speculated that retrograde periods, when menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes, may be another cause for this disease.

How the body responds to estrogen and progesterone can also be a factor.

Endometriosis can be detected through the use of pelvic imaging with an ultrasound

An MRI may be ordered for further mapping

A laparoscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the body during a surgical procedure, can be used as a definitive diagnosis