The endometrium is fleshy tissue that lines your uterus. Endometriosis is a condition in which this tissue is also found outside the uterus, usually resulting in pain and painful periods. This tissue can grow anywhere inside your pelvic cavity - for example, on the bowel, bladder, ovaries and the lining of the pelvic cavity.
This causes irritation, inflammation and scarring. Sometimes the tissue forms into painful sticky masses (known as adhesions) that can glue your organs together.
As the disease progresses, the endometriotic tissue grows and can form lumpy growths. They can range in size from a pinhead to a tennis ball.
Endometriosis can be associated with infertility.
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