Endometriosis...

“Women with endometriosis who are treated by expert surgeons have
the best chance of leading healthy and normal lives.”
- Dr Russell Dalton, Gynaecologist

Fact & Fiction

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What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial cells and tissue (the lining of the uterus which sheds when a period occurs) are found in the pelvis and occasionally in other places in a woman's body.

Fact: Endometriosis can cause scarring and adhesions which damage a woman's pelvic organs and can cause pain or infertility.

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What causes Endometriosis?

The precise cause of endometriosis is not known.

The most likely cause of endometriosis is when, during a normal period, some of the blood (containing endometrial cells) flows backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis where it is absorbed. In some women the cells stick to the pelvic lining, and produce a substance which stimulates the lining of the pelvis to grow blood vessels to supply them with nutrients. The cells then survive and grow instead of being absorbed.


Endometriosis can also develop in women with blocked tubes and occasionally in women who are born without a uterus. This is most likely caused because the lining layer (peritoneum) of the pelvis changes spontaneously into endometrial cells.

Endometrial cells are sensitive to hormonal changes. This means that when the lining of the uterus sheds and a period occurs, the cells also bleed and change. This leads to bleeding and irritation in the pelvic lining or wherever there are cells.

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Who gets Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can occur at any time between puberty and menopause.

Endometriosis is frequently found in women who have had children and is rarely found after menopause.

A woman is more likely to develop endometriosis if her mother or sister has had it.

Fact: Endometriosis affects about one in ten women.

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Endometriosis & Infertility

40% of infertile couples have endometriosis present in the woman.

Endometriosis can cause distortion and damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries which are consequently unable to function normally.

Even mild endometriosis can cause infertility.

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