Although endometriosis is a common cause of pelvi pain there are other causes of pelvic pain such as fibroids; ovarian cysts; adhesions; adenomysis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The most accurate way to know for sure whether or not you have endometriosis is to have a surgery called laparoscopy.
In this procedure, a tiny cut is made in your abdomen (through the navel). A thin tube with a light is placed inside which allows the surgeon to check for the presence of endometriosis and to diagnose any other problems which may be present.

No one knows for sure what causes this disease, but there are a number of theories.

Endometriosis runs in families. If your mother or sister has endometriosis, you are six times more likely to get the disease than other women, so one theory suggests that endometriosis is caused by genes. However, we know that this is only part of the story as most women who have endometriosis do not have a mother or sister suffering from the condition.

Another theory is that during a woman's monthly periods, some endometrial tissue backs up into the abdomen through the fallopian tubes. This transplanted tissue then grows outside of the uterus.

Many researchers think a faulty immune system plays a part in endometriosis. In women with the condition it is thought that the immune system fails to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus.

It is also thought that endometriosis may develop as a result of one type of tissue transforming into another (metaplasia).

Although the cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, this does not stop us at The Endometriosis Cinic from providing treatment to help eradicate and alleviate the symptoms and problems associated with the condition.

You will want to seek the best possible treatment for your endometriosis. Howerever, at the same time, you may feel many emotions - sadness, fear, anger. frustration and loneliness. It is important to find support to cope with these feelings. Consider joining a support group to talk to other women who have shared your experiences. There are support groups on the Internet and in many areas of the country.

It is also important to learn as much as you can about the disease.

Our experienced pyscho-sexual counsellor, Sue Elkins is available to talk through any issues you may have concerning the condition and how it may be affecting your life and personal relationships.

You may find these links useful.