3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be a painful, chronic disease that is estimated to affect up to 25% of all women. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue which lines the uterus - the endometrium - is found elsewhere in the body. This can be in the abdomen, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix or vulva. Less commonly endometrial growths may also be found in the lung, arm or thigh. The only way to confirm endometriosis is to carry out a laparoscopy. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure. However, there are range of treatment options, depending on the woman's age and whether she wants to have children. Hormone therapy can be used to stop ovulation, and shrink the endometrial growths.