What is the condition called when endometrial tissue is located outside the uterus?

• A. Endometriosis
• B. Fibroids
• C. Ovarian cysts
• D. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer: (A)

Endometriosis is the condition where endometrial tissue—the lining that normally lines the uterus—is located outside the uterus. This displaced tissue still responds to monthly hormones, so it can thicken and bleed during the cycle, causing inflammation, pain, scar tissue, and sometimes fertility issues. Commonly affected areas include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining, which explains symptoms like painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. The other options describe different conditions: fibroids are benign uterine muscle growths inside the uterus; ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries; pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the pelvic organs. Endometriosis uniquely refers to endometrial tissue found outside the uterus.