This is common disorder which is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the endometrial cavity.

Endometriosis is a benign condition but one which is of great importance in gynaecology because the distressing symptomatology, the association with infertility and the potential for invasion of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Classically it is described in women in their thirties and forties, particularly, Caucasians. However, as the use of laparoscopy has become widespread, this description has become less accurate.