title: Classification of endometriosis.
abstract: The evolution of classification schemes for endometriosis has continued since the 1920s, when initial attempts were made to describe endometriosis. The cause, pathophysiology, and natural history of endometriosis remain difficult to characterize. As knowledge about endometriosis increases, classification schemes will change to incorporate new ideas. Evolution of the current American Fertility Society's revised classification of endometriosis is reviewed, as well as evaluation of its use with respect to prediction of fertility and management of pelvic pain. Possible directions for classification in the future are also discussed in this article.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York, USA.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Hoeger
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Guzick
mesh_terms: D004715:Endometriosis / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology