Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects more than 200 million women worldwide. When endometrial-like tissue grows outside of the uterus, the lesions that form on other organs throughout the body can cause severe pelvic and back pain, as well as pain between periods and with intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In fact, 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and 30-50% of individuals with endometriosis experience infertility.
Although endometriosis can begin in adolescence, it often goes undetected and inadequately treated for a significant period of time. Usually diagnosed in a woman’s 30s or 40s, this journey can be delayed an average of up to 6.7 years due to dismissing symptoms and societal stigma surrounding menstruation and gynecological health. Moreover, because there is no cure for endometriosis, it is critical that women are engaged and empowered throughout their journey with this chronic disease and supported in living a high quality of life.
SWHR hosted a virtual public forum to discuss the impact of endometriosis on women’s health and to highlight persistent gaps in diagnosis and treatment.
