Some women with endometriosis develop allergies, frequent yeast infections and chemical sensitivities.

Patients are clinically diagnosed with endometriosis with a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure in which a camera notes the size, location and extent of the internal growths.

Doctors also can identify it with an external pelvic exam, wherein the doctor rubs areas in the abdomen and looks for abnormalities. This method is inexact because it is often impossible to find small areas of endometriosis unless cysts have already formed. Ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images, can be used to view reproductive organs and look for lesions and cysts.

Endometriosis Causes

Endometriosis occurs when a special tissue starts growing outside the uterus on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus and in other areas. It reacts to the menstrual cycle in the same manner as the uterine lining -- building up, breaking down and shedding.

This process causes internal bleeding, a breakdown of blood and tissue from the lesions, and painful inflammation because the tissue from the condition has no way to exit the body.

More than 6 million girls and women in the United States suffer from the disease. The cause is not known and there currently is no cure. Girls and women are equally affected, and the pain and complications can have a major impact on school, finances, careers, relationships, and general health and well-being.