Some types of endometriosis may be present from birth

By Jessica Hamzelou

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One in 10 women live with endometriosis, but we still don’t know its exact cause. New evidence suggests that some cases may be present from birth, and that different subtypes of the condition may benefit from different treatments.

Endometriosis is diagnosed when endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. When people with the condition menstruate, these patches of cells, wherever they are, bleed.

This is thought to be at least partly responsible for the debilitating pain people with endometriosis often experience, although we …