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Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects about 10 percent of women worldwide and is characterized by severe, life-threatening pain during menstruation, sex, defecation and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, fatigue and sometimes depression, anxiety and infertility, said Dr. Priyanka Shahane, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF .

Although this problem is widespread, many women suffer for years before being diagnosed, and the average time to diagnosis can range from 6.6 to 27 years, depending on the country where the woman lives and the availability of healthcare systems, according to research conducted by the University of York. 

Barriers to diagnosis 

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, making it difficult to diagnose. The similarity of symptoms to other conditions, the social stigma associated with gynecological health conditions, and the lack of open discussion often discourage women from talking openly about their health. Many women undergo multiple examinations before receiving a proper diagnosis, sometimes misdiagnosing or not diagnosing the condition at all. In addition, symptoms reported by patients are not always recorded accurately, which also delays the diagnostic process. 

Impact of endometriosis on quality of life

Symptoms such as severe pain or fatigue, which are common in endometriosis, often interfere with women’s daily lives, work, and relationships. Some studies have shown that 52 percent of women with endometriosis report that the condition significantly affects their jobs and personal relationships. Mental health is another area of their lives that is affected by the condition, as women face social stigma, isolation, and a reduced quality of life. 

The impact of endometriosis on fertility 

Pregnancy- challenges are another significant issue, as 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis face infertility. The reproductive health disorder can lead to scarring, adhesions, and fluid-filled cysts, which can interfere with fertility and are often only discovered when there is difficulty conceiving. 

Despite the serious consequences of endometriosis, the disease has long been shrouded in misunderstanding and has received little attention. By the time a woman is diagnosed with the condition, she has already suffered deep emotional and physical scars. What is needed is timely diagnosis, greater awareness, and access to compassionate and fully informed treatment, so that no woman has to suffer in silence to pretend that everything is fine.