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. 2017 Apr 5;96(6):644–658. doi: 10.1111/aogs.13119

Figure 1.

Figure 1

The presence of endometriosis lesions impacts the reproductive system and the nervous system. Endometriosis lesions present within the pelvic cavity cause the defining symptoms of the condition, which are infertility and chronic debilitating pelvic pain. Lesions generate an inflammatory environment, which may have a negative impact on developing oocytes and implanting blastocysts. This inflammation is also thought to activate nerve fibers that innervate lesions. In addition to disease‐specific cellular and molecular changes, extensive lesions and adhesions can cause distortion of the pelvic organs and nerve compression that may also contribute to fertility problems and pain. Animal models of endometriosis are required to dissect out specific disease mechanisms that impact on the reproductive and nervous system. [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]