Types of endometriosis
The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no definite cure.
There are four different types of endometriosis, and it is possible to have more than one type. The different types refer to the location, amount and depth of endometrial lesions.
Peritoneal (superficial) endometriosis is found mainly on the pelvic peritoneum - a thin film that lines the inner surface of the pelvis and surrounds the pelvic organs.
Ovarian endometriosis (endometrioma) is when endometriosis cysts are found in the ovaries.
Deep endometriosis is found in locations such as the bladder, bowel and recto-vaginal septum (the tissue separating the vagina and the rectum). The lesions are at a deeper level than peritoneal (superficial) endometriosis.
Extra-pelvic endometriosis is when endometriosis is found outside of the pelvis, such as in the thorax (chest) and caesarean scars.
Adenomyosis is a related condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow within the muscle of the womb wall. Like endometriosis, adenomyosis responds to the hormones in the menstrual cycle and affects 10% of women and those assigned female at birth. You can have only endometriosis or adenomyosis, although it is quite common to have both.
