Women who suffer from endometriosis may have a higher risk of developing three types of ovarian cancer, a new study says.

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases. The two most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Some women have pain before and during their periods, as well as during or after sex. This pain can be so intense that it affects a woman’s quality of life, from her relationships, to her day-to-day activities.

About 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile, making it one of the top three causes for female infertility.

The research, published in the online edition of The Lancet Oncology, calculated the association between endometriosis and the risk of the five major types of ovarian cancer: high-grade serous, low-grade serous, clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous carcinomas.

Women with a history of endometriosis have a significantly increased risk of developing three types of ovarian cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 23,000 women in 13 studies and found that those with a history of endometriosis had a more than threefold increased risk of clear-cell ovarian cancers, a more than two-fold increased risk of endometrioid tumors, and a twofold increased risk of low-grade serous ovarian cancers.

A woman with a mother or sister with endometriosis is significantly more likely to contract endometriosis than other women, according to the NIH. Other risks of developing the condition include beginning menstruating at an early age, never having children, and frequent and long-lasting periods. The most telling sign of endometriosis is pain-during and before menstruation, sexual intercourse, and found in the abdomen, lower back and pelvic area.

The solution lies in getting your endometriosis treated completely & permanently rather than just taking care of the symptoms arising during each monthly period.