A new process to identify certain microbes in women could be used to diagnose endometriosis without invasive surgery, possibly even before symptoms start. Our body’s microbes collectively create what is called microbiomes. “Our immune system greatly influences our individual microbiome community,” says. SIU Medicine researcher Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming, PhD. “Several diseases alter our immune system, and these alterations result in unique microbial profiles.” One of those diseases is endometriosis, which occurs when the uterus’ lining grows outside the uterus, resulting in painful lesions and