Volume 109, Issue 4, Pages 615–616

Authors:

Francisco Domínguez, Ph.D.

Abstract:

Endometriosis is one of the most common reproductive disorders affecting women. Characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, it is a heterogeneous disease that can affect different anatomical sites, mainly the ovaries and the peritoneum. All forms of endometriosis cause varying degrees of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, painful defecation, and/or infertility. Although the estimated prevalence of endometriosis is 6%–10% in the general female population, it affects an estimated 35%–50% of infertile women. The classic therapy has not changed in a century, despite the chronic, recurrent nature of this condition. Treatment encompasses the removal of ectopic endometrial lesions by invasive surgery. Diagnosis is currently made through surgical inspection and histologic assessment. However, the invasiveness of this approach means that diagnosis can be delayed for many years. Reducing the time to diagnosis would not only improve the field of endometriosis management, but also enhance the quality of life of affected women.

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