Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: For All * 18 to 40 year old menstruating women (continue to get cycles) * More than a light menstrual flow (light flow is soaking less than 1 thin pad or light tampon in 4 hours at peak flow) * Willingness to provide two menstrual samples across two separate menstrual cycles. * Willingness to provide a DNA sample (obtained via menstrual blood or cheek swab) For Controls: •General Absence of \*symptoms suggestive of endometriosis which includes: 1-Chronic pelvic pain 2-Painful menses 3-Pain during intercourse 4-Pain going to the bathroom 5-Abdominal bloating (BUT MUST NOT Include): 6-Report of missed days of work, school, athletic,social and/or other activities due to related pain and discomfort For Symptomatic: * Consistently Experiencing chronic symptoms of endometriosis\* * Without definitive diagnosis * Seeking physician evaluation (considered by physician to be a candidate for laproscopic surgery * Willingness to provide one of the menstrual samples PRIOR to planned surgery * Surgical and pathological confirmation of endo (or NOT) Exclusion Criteria: For All: * under age 18 or over 40 years * Unable/unwilling to provide a menstrual sample * Light menstrual flow (light flow is soaking less than 1 thin pad or light tampon in 4 hours at peak flow) * Diagnosed with endometriosis CONTROL: * More than 1 symptom of endometriosis\* * Report of missed days of work, school, athletic, social and/or other activities due to related pain and discomfort Symptomatic: Unable to provide a menstrual sample prior to surgery