Australian researchers have made a world-first headway in treatment of endometriosis in women.

The findings by researchers in Sydney’s Royal Hospital could significantly improve the health and treatment outcomes of women that suffer the painful disease.

The researchers have grown tissue for the varied types of endometriosis and studied how each responds to treatment.

This means that researchers will be able to customise treatment for every variant of endometriosis to improve effectiveness. It will also aid doctors find ways to prevent infertility among patients.

The chronic condition affects women of reproductive age and is caused by cells that grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis increases the risk of infertility in women and ovarian cancer.