September/2006

ANSWER 9=A

DISCUSSION:

The prevalence of endometriosis in the general population is estimated to be 10 percent. A much higher prevalence of up to 82 percent occurs in women with pelvic pain, and in women undergoing investigation for infertility the prevalence is 21 percent. The prevalence in women undergoing sterilization is 3.7 to 6 percent.  Endometriosis usually becomes apparent in the reproductive years when the lesions are stimulated by ovarian hormones. Symptoms tend to be strongest premenstrually, subsiding after cessation of menses. Pelvic pain is the most common presenting symptom; other symptoms include back pain, dyspareunia, loin pain, dyschezia (i.e., pain on defecation), and pain with micturition (dysuria).