**Section 5** Endometriosis Treatment **103 Chapter 7 105**

Preface

Endometriosis is a prevalent disease affecting up to 10 percent of reproductive-age women globally. While we have made great strides towards our understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis, much is still unknown. We do know that endometriosis is estrogen-dependent and is mediated by immunologic factors. Defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterus, women may have debilitating symptoms including pain and infertility or the disease can be diagnosed incidentally at the time of pelvic surgery, making a determination

In this book, we explore risk factors for endometriosis including environmental factors that are shedding light on this disease. We also investigate novel methods for diagnosing and treating pain related to endometriosis, which can be debilitating in some women. Conditions associated with endometriosis including adenomyosis, invasion of endometrial glands and stroma into the uterine muscle, and infertility are reviewed in depth. Finally, we look at treatment options for women with endometriosis ranging from hormonal to surgical. Together, we provide a comprehensive look at the diagnosis, treatment and risk of endometriosis to better inform practitioners in

**Courtney Marsh**

United States of America

University of Kansas Medical Center,

of true prevalence particularly challenging.

caring for patients with endometriosis.

Interventional Treatment of Endometriosis *by Yang Xiaomin, Han Jun, Feng Pin and Yang Xiaojun*
