[The Laterality of Endometriosis]
Noa Leybovitz-Haleluya1, Alla Saban1, Adi Y Weintraub1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel.
Harefuah
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Endometriosis commonly affects the left pelvis due to anatomical, physiological, hormonal, and vascular factors. Understanding this left-sided tendency may improve diagnosis and surgical planning for endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pelvic Anatomy
Background:
- Endometriosis affects 10-15% of reproductive-age women.
- Left-sided pelvic prevalence is common but its cause is unknown.
- Existing literature suggests laterality is multifactorial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on endometriosis laterality.
- To propose theories for left-sided pelvic endometriosis.
- To highlight areas for future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of endometriosis laterality.
- Analysis of anatomical, physiological, hormonal, and vascular theories.
- Synthesis of proposed etiological factors.
Main Results:
- Four theories explain left-sided endometriosis: anatomical, physiological, hormonal, and vascular.
- Anatomical asymmetry, peritoneal fluid dynamics, hormonal milieu, and venous pressure differences are implicated.
- These factors likely interact to promote left-sided endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- Left-sided pelvic endometriosis is likely influenced by multiple interacting factors.
- Further research is needed to confirm these theories.
- Understanding laterality may enhance diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning.
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