Classification of endometriosis

Abstract

During this century, the classification of endometriosis has evolved from histologic grading to a prognostic index of future fertility. Based primarily on the natural progression of disease, modern classification outlines enable every physician to easily describe the extent and conformation of this disease process in the individual patient. The investigator is provided with a tool to measure and compare the efficacy of various treatment modalities. Advances in our understanding of the relationship between endometriosis and infertility will be reflected by modifications of our classification systems.