Endometriosis: A Long-Overlooked Disease
From first symptoms to diagnosis: still 7 years on average.
Dr. Mathilde Carron
Gynecologist
In simple terms
Endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age but is often dismissed as 'normal' painful periods.
What you need to remember
- Diagnosis — Clinical suspicion drives investigation.
- Medical treatment — Combined hormonal contraceptives
- Surgery and fertility — Excision of endometriotic lesions can relieve pain and improve fertility.
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea), pelvic pain outside periods, painful intercourse, painful defecation, infertility, cyclical bowel/urinary symptoms.
Diagnosis
Clinical suspicion drives investigation. Pelvic ultrasound and MRI detect deep infiltrating disease; laparoscopy remains the gold standard.
Medical treatment
- Combined hormonal contraceptives
- Progestins
- GnRH analogues for refractory disease
- NSAIDs for pain
Surgery and fertility
Excision of endometriotic lesions can relieve pain and improve fertility. Multidisciplinary care (gynaecology, pain, fertility) is increasingly the standard.
Severe period pain that disrupts school or work is never normal: it warrants evaluation.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Endometriosis: A Long-Overlooked Disease?
- Endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age but is often dismissed as 'normal' painful periods.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Endometriosis: A Long-Overlooked Disease?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Endometriosis: A Long-Overlooked Disease?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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