In what condition might a woman experience both abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain?

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

Answer: (B)

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can lead to both abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain. The ectopic endometrial tissue responds to hormonal changes in a woman's menstrual cycle, contributing to the abnormal bleeding patterns. Moreover, as the tissue grows and becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pelvic discomfort or pain, particularly during menstruation, sexual intercourse, or even with bowel movements and urination.

In contrast, while uterine fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding, they do not typically cause pelvic pain unless there are complications, and they mainly affect bleeding patterns. Ovarian cysts may also be linked to abnormal bleeding; however, the pain they cause is usually more related to their size or rupture rather than the cyclic pain observed in endometriosis. Pelvic inflammatory disease is primarily associated with infection and may cause pelvic pain and sometimes abnormal bleeding, but the bleeding is often a secondary effect of inflammation rather than the primary issue as seen in endometriosis. Thus, endometriosis is the best choice due to its specific link between the two symptoms.