Endometriosis means that normal endometrial cells which are supposed to be confined to the inside of the uterus, are found in any place outside of the uterus such as in you ovaries or abdominal cavity.
Endometriosis can present as different symptoms and often times can be diagnosed by a family practitioner, general internist and more accurately by a gynecologist.
The word endometriosis is derived from greek, meaning "inside the womb." The womb is the part of the female anatomy that contains the fertilized egg or the embryo. The embryo eventually becomes the baby. Normally the womb or uterus is made of cells that are called "endometrial cells." These cells line the inside of the womb and serves as a cellular layer to prevent the uterus from sticking to itself. It also allows the egg to properly implant into the womb.
The endometrial cells are very responsive to female hormones and tend to proliferate during a woman's period. Endometriosis can present as different symptoms and problems associated with endometriosis can involve pain with sex, pain with defecation, pain with periods and pain with urination.
In order to come to a diagnosis of endometriosis it is important to be evaluated by a gynecologist to discuss diagnostic tests and further management.