Please note: If you have any symptoms or think you may have endometriosis, please make an appointment with your local GP or medical practitioner. 

Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. This disorder most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis.

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.

Key symptoms include: extreme pain during periods, pain during sexual intercourse, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, infertility, painful urination during menstruation periods and painful bowel movements during menstruation periods.

The variable and broad symptoms of endometriosis mean that sometimes healthcare professionals do not easily diagnose it and many individuals dealing with the condition have limited awareness of it. This can cause a lengthy delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. 

Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment of endometriosis is important but is limited in many settings, including in low and middle-income countries.

Common myths and misconceptions about endometriosis: 

Myth: It is normal for periods to be extremely painful

Fact: It is not normal for periods to be extremely painful. If you are experiencing severe period pain that cannot be relieved by pain medication, endometriosis may be the cause. Make an appointment to discuss this with your GP.

Myth: Symptoms are always present in women with endometriosis

Fact: Sometimes some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms at all.

Myth: Endometriosis cannot be treated

Fact: Although there is no cure for endometriosis, it can be treated through medications, hormone therapy and surgery.

Myth: Women with endometriosis cannot have children

Fact: About 30% of women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant. Surgery to remove endometrial cells growing outside the uterus may increase your chances of becoming pregnant, but there is no guarantee you will get pregnant after treatment.

Myth: Women with endometriosis should avoid exercise

Fact: Exercise is good both for coping with endometriosis symptoms and your general health. Try to be active at least 30 minutes a day.

It’s worth noting that there is no known cause of endometriosis but it is highly likely that certain genes predispose women to develop the disease. Thus, women have a higher risk of developing endometriosis if their mother and/or sister(s) are also affected.