Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

An endomitrioma, also known as a chocolate cyst, is a benign cyst that forms when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and sheds during menstruation. When this tissue grows outside of the uterus, it can form cysts that are filled with old blood that resembles chocolate.

Endometriomas are most commonly found in the ovaries, but they can also occur in other parts of the pelvis, such as the fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, and the peritoneum.

Endometriomas can cause pain, infertility, and other symptoms. The pain is typically associated with menstruation, but it can also occur at other times of the month. Endometriomas can also cause a woman to have difficulty getting pregnant because they can block the fallopian tubes.

The treatment for endometriomas depends on the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, medication can be used to manage the pain and reduce the size of the cysts. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the endometriomas.