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Endometriosis is a health problem that is very common among young women and harmful to their quality of life. Although there is no cure, different treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Read through the gallery to learn more about the illness and how to differentiate it from menstrual cramps.

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Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease.

The illness becomes complicated because there are still many questions as to its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

▲Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium - the internal lining of the uterus that is developed every ovulation cycle and expelled during menstruation) grows outside of the uterus.

▲The tissue can travel to other organs within the body. It most commonly gets trapped within the pelvis, reproductive organs, intestines, bladder, and ureters.

▲The symptoms can vary greatly, but some are more common than others. The most common is intense pelvic pain during menstruation.

▲Blood loss: a woman can experience blood loss before the beginning of her period. She may also have heavy periods or blood with the color and consistency of chocolate.

▲Changes in intestinal movement and burning or difficulty when urinating–many of these symptoms are also associated with urinary tract infections, so it's important you talk to your doctor.

▲Retrograde menstruation, which according to the Mayo Clinic is 'menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body,' can be a cause. It explains the pelvic endometriosis, but not nasal or rectal endometriosis.

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A genetic component: if a mother and one or more of her sisters have the illness, it is probable that a woman in the following generation will develop it as well.

Immune system disorders can also be related to endometriosis.

▲Endometriosis affects between 10 and 15% of women of reproductive age. It is also one of the most common causes of infertility.

▲One-third of women who have endometriosis are infertile or have difficulty in getting pregnant naturally. The pelvic inflammation caused by the illness can interfere with fertilization.

▲The endometriosis implants can obstruct the fallopian tubes, reduce egg reserves, and distort the pelvic anatomy of the woman.

▲The endometrial alterations can make embryo implantation difficult, in which the fertilized egg can not attach correctly to the uterine walls.

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It does not have a cure, but there are different treatment methods. One of them is the laparoscopy. The technique allows doctors to identify the location, size, and extent of the illness.

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It is also possible to remove endometrial implants located in different regions of the body.

These implants can be restricting the intestines, invading the bladder, and harming renal function. After removal, it is possible to treat the illness.

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In addition to surgical options, a new medication has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and can be taken at home, unlike current injectable treatments. This medical advance offers patients more choice but will help only a limited number of people, as it will be available on the NHS only for those who have tried all other treatments without success, benefiting around 1,000 women a year.

▲Paying attention to diet can also be beneficial. Vitamins with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant action can help control symptoms.

▲These vitamins are responsible for antioxidant action that can help reduce pain and symptoms.

▲These vitamins have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce cramping.

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This is yet another anti-inflammatory vitamin that can be found in whole grains and fish.

But above all, being followed by a doctor is incredibly necessary.