endometriosis /en′dōmē′trē·ō″sis/ [Gk, endon + metra, womb, osis, condition] , endometrial tissue located outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the posterior cul-de-sac and adnexae but rarely found in areas far removed from the pelvis. Multiple etiologies have been suggested, including direct spread, hematogenous spread, and spontaneous formation from multipotential tissue. The condition may cause chronic pelvic pain. Multiple hormonal and surgical therapies are available, depending on the severity of symptoms and whether infertility is involved.
