Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorders defined by the presence of endometrium-like tissue (epithelium and stroma) outside the uterine cavity. The extrauterine endometrium, associates with chronic inflammation of the peritoneal cavity and causes severe chronic, cyclical pain symptoms and subfertility.
Based on their clinical appearance, endometriosis lesions are classified as superficial peritoneal lesions, deep lesions infiltrating into the tissue and ovarian endometriotic cysts (endometriomas). The prevalence of endometriosis is estimated to be about 10% among reproductive-aged women regardless of race or ethnicity, and as high as 35-60% among women with fertility problems. The World Endometriosis Research Foundation estimates that 176 million women suffer from endometriosis globally, but there are significant unmet needs for patients, including delayed diagnosis and lack of effective medical therapies. Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that severely reduces quality of life. It can have life-long effects on the patient's relationships, family planning and career. From a societal perspective, the overall cost of endometriosis is high and comparable with other chronic diseases. The aim of our research is to develop better tools to improve the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis by better understanding the disease mechanisms.