Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining (the endometrium) grows elsewhere in the body. Most commonly it affects the ovaries, bowel and bladder where it behaves just as it would in the womb, responding to the monthly hormonal changes the result in bleeding. The resulting symptoms include pain associated with bowel movements or sex, nausea, fatigue and abnormal periods. It is also a frequent cause of infertility. Acupuncture cannot cure endometriosis but it can help to relieve the symptoms and it works well alongside Western medical treatments.