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Endometriosis

PYQs

2

Articles

1

Momentum

9

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC cares about Endometriosis as a significant public health challenge affecting women, highlighting issues of gender health equity, the need for advanced medical research and innovation (Science & Technology), and potential policy interventions for improved diagnosis, treatment, and awareness under welfare schemes.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential infertility.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Definition

Presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, commonly on ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining.

Symptoms

Chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), heavy bleeding, and infertility.

Prevalence

Affects approximately 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally.

Diagnosis Challenge

Often delayed by 7-10 years due to non-specific symptoms and reliance on invasive diagnostic procedures like laparoscopy.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaPublic Health
Conceptual areaWomen's Health
Conceptual areaMedical Science
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Chronic condition: endometrial-like tissue grows outside uterus.
  • Key symptoms: chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual pain, infertility.
  • Affects ~10% of reproductive-age women globally.
  • Diagnosis often delayed; research crucial for better management.
  • Significant public health concern impacting women's quality of life and productivity.

Topic timeline

Public HealthWomen's HealthMedical Science
Prelims 2019· Definition-based questions, Factual recall

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news?

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements: I. They are man-made proteins. II. They stimulate immun...

Open question

New research on endometriosis is a step towards managing a long-neglected disease

11 Sep 2026 · Endometriosis is a chronic, painful condition affecting women, characterized by endometrial-like tissue growth outside the uterus, leading to significant health and quality-of-life impacts, and requiring advanced research for better management and early diagnosis.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Endometriosis

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 2 linked questions on Endometriosis in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Endometriosis

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements: I. They are man-made proteins. II. They stimulate immun...

2025·Science & Technology
Solve

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news?

2019·Science & Technology
Solve

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