Review

Current approach to endometriosis

  • Belgin Selam

Received Date: 12.05.2004 Accepted Date: 26.10.2004 Gulhane Med J 2005;47(4):318-323

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It is mostly localized to the pelvic viscera and the peritoneum in women during the reproductive period. Endometriosis is observed in a wide spectrum of clinical presentations such as minimal lesions, adhesions involving bladder, ureter, bowel, and massive endometriomas distorting the tuboovarian anatomy. Pelvic pain and infertility are frequently observed in patients with endometriosis. The present review summarizes the pathogenesis and diagnosis of endometriosis, pelvic pain and infertility related to endometriosis and their current therapeutic approach.

Keywords: endometriosis, endometrioma, infertility, pelvic pain