What physical sign is associated with endometriosis during pelvic examinations?

Limited mobility of internal organs is a characteristic physical sign associated with endometriosis during pelvic examinations. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other structures within the pelvis. This abnormal growth can lead to the formation of adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that can bind pelvic organs together. As a result, the normal mobility of these internal organs may be restricted, making it difficult to examine them without tenderness or pain.

In contrast, other signs such as normal pelvic size or a painless abdominal examination do not typically correlate with the presence of endometriosis. Swelling and inflammation can be an experience for some individuals with endometriosis, but it is not a reliable or characteristic finding during physical examinations. Thus, limited mobility of internal organs is a more definitive indicator encountered by practitioners during assessments in patients suspected of suffering from endometriosis.