**19. Classification of endometriosis**

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine proposed a classification of endometriosis with the aim to predict the chance of conception based on the severity of the disease. This system proposes a point score that assesses: the extend of endometriosis among organs and within an organ, scoring the superficial versus the invasive disease, the size of endometriomas, the development of endometriosis uni-or bilaterally in ovaries ,and the type of adhesions. The cumulative score results in a stage designation of the disease, from minimal (stage 1) to extensive (stage 4). The reproducibility of the classification system is limited, according the operative method used and the surgeon's experience (Hoeger & Guzick, 1997).
