What condition is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus?

• A. Ovarian cysts
• B. Endometriosis
• C. Fibroids
• D. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Answer: (B)

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, being found outside the uterus. This condition can lead to significant pain, often during menstruation, and may cause complications such as infertility. The misplaced endometrial tissue can attach to various organs within the pelvic cavity, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus, resulting in scar tissue and adhesions.

In contrast, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that may or may not cause symptoms and do not involve endometrial tissue. Fibroids, or uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths of the uterus muscle tissue and do not involve endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder affecting ovarian function, characterized by hormone imbalance and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, but it is not directly related to the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.