What condition involves the endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus?

• A. Endometriosis
• B. Fibroids
• C. Pelvic inflammatory disease
• D. Menorrhagia

Answer: (A)

Endometriosis is the condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This typically occurs in areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining, leading to a range of symptoms including pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility. The misplaced endometrial tissue behaves like normal endometrial tissue, responding to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue.

Fibroids, on the other hand, are non-cancerous growths of the uterus itself and do not involve the endometrial tissue growing outside the uterine cavity. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs and does not specifically refer to endometrial tissue growth. Menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, which can be a symptom of various conditions, including endometriosis, but does not describe the condition itself. Thus, endometriosis is accurately identified as the condition where endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus.