Clinical presentation
Pathophysiology and localisation
Endometriosis mainly affects the pelvic region (ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, peritoneum), but can also affect organs outside the pelvis, particularly those of the digestive and urinary systems, or, more rarely, the chest.
The mechanisms involved in the development of endometriosis are not yet fully understood. Current hypotheses include retrograde menstruation, immune, inflammatory and hormonal factors, as well as genetic susceptibility.
Clinical manifestations
Clinical presentation is varied and sometimes non-specific, which contributes to a delay in diagnosis.
The predominant symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, often aggravated during menstruation, severe dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, as well as cyclical gastrointestinal or urinary pain. Chronic fatigue is frequently reported. Extra-pelvic involvement may lead to atypical symptoms, particularly in the chest.
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