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This article addresses women's health topics including reproductive and gynaecological health. Content is presented in a clinical, evidence-based manner consistent with Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare guidelines.
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Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — causing severe pain, infertility, and significantly impacting quality of life.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium (uterine lining) grows outside the uterus — typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and occasionally on other organs. Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to the hormonal cycle: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each month. But unlike normal menstrual blood, this blood has no way to exit the body, causing inflammation, scarring, adhesions, and cysts (endometriomas).
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally — roughly 190 million women. Despite its prevalence, average diagnosis is delayed by 7–10 years due to symptoms being normalised as 'bad periods'.
The cardinal symptom is chronic pelvic pain — particularly severe period pain (dysmenorrhoea) that is significantly worse than average period cramps. Other symptoms include pain during or after sex (dyspareunia), pain when urinating or opening bowels during periods, heavy periods, fatigue, and infertility. Notably, some women have extensive endometriosis with minimal symptoms, while others have small lesions with severe pain.
Diagnosis is challenging. Symptoms and imaging (pelvic ultrasound, MRI) can suggest endometriosis but definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy — a keyhole surgical procedure to directly visualise lesions.
Treatment aims to reduce pain and preserve fertility. Hormonal treatments — combined oral contraceptive pills, progesterone-only pills, GnRH agonists — suppress the hormonal cycle that drives lesion growth. Surgical treatment via laparoscopy can remove or ablate lesions, significantly improving pain and fertility outcomes. Endometriosis is a lifelong condition; symptoms often recur after treatment, requiring ongoing management.
Key Points
- Affects 1 in 10 women — often misdiagnosed as 'normal period pain' for years
- Common symptoms: severe period pain, pain during sex, heavy periods, fatigue
- Definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy — ultrasound can suggest but not confirm
- Leading cause of female infertility alongside PCOS
- Hormonal therapy and surgery are the main treatment approaches
- Early diagnosis and treatment preserve fertility and reduce disease progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Retrograde menstruation — menstrual blood flowing back into the pelvic cavity
- Genetic predisposition — higher risk if a first-degree relative has endometriosis
- Immune system dysfunction — failure to destroy misplaced endometrial tissue
- Hormonal factors — oestrogen promotes growth of endometriosis lesions
When to See a Doctor
- Period pain so severe it prevents normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Heavy periods soaking through pads or tampons every hour
- Difficulty conceiving after 6–12 months of trying
- Persistent pelvic pain between periods
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026