Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects more than 200 million women worldwide. Endometrial lesions tend to form in the pelvic cavity outside of the uterus, causing pain in a woman’s pelvis and back, between periods, and with intercourse, as well as heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility. In fact, 30-50% of individuals with endometriosis experience infertility.
Although endometriosis can begin in adolescence and also affect postmenopausal women, it is most commonly diagnosed in a woman’s 30s or 40s. Endometriosis can often go undetected and inadequately treated for a significant period of time. This delay is primarily due to the societal stigma surrounding menstruation and gynecological disorders, which has been shown to postpone diagnosis up to 6.7 years. Moreover, because there is no cure for endometriosis, it is critical that women are engaged and empowered throughout their journey with this chronic condition and supported in living a high quality of life.
SWHR is convening an interdisciplinary Endometriosis Education Working Group of health care providers, researchers, patients and patient advocates, and health care policy leaders for a closed, roundtable meeting in September 2023. During the roundtable, the Working Group will discuss the impact of endometriosis on women’s health, with an emphasis on addressing persistent gaps in diagnosis and treatment. Working Group members will also have the opportunity to participate in meetings with Congressional offices to discuss strategies to advance endometriosis research and care for all women.
