What is endometriosis?

• A. Growth of endometrial tissue inside the uterus.
• B. Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, leading to chronic inflammation and pain.
• C. A cancer of the endometrium.
• D. A type of ovarian cyst.

Answer: (B)

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is similar to the lining inside the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, can bleed where it’s located, and triggers inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions. Those changes lead to chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and sometimes infertility. It’s not the normal endometrial tissue inside the uterus, it’s not a cancer of the endometrium, and it’s not simply an ovarian cyst (though endometriosis-related changes can occur near the ovaries).