Endometriosis: Traditional perspectives, current evidence and future possibilities

Endometriosis is a disease that is wide-ranging in location and highly vari ed in clinical presentation, and of probably complex etiology. Since convin cing studies on this condition are few many physicians maintain a tradition al perspective in management and treatment. There is new evidence, though, on some aspects of endometriosis. Therefore, this review of many of the bet ter studies outlines treatments that are aimed at pain and/or infertility, plus an assessment of the outcomes obtained. The methods covered are symp t omatic treatment; ovarian suppression; surgery; combined ovarian suppressio n and surgery; ovarian hyperstimulation; assisted reproductive technology; and comprehensive management, including counseling.