Endometriosis: Common, but Rarely Discussed
February 27th, 2026 by Advaita Joshi
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects roughly 10% of females worldwide (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40323608), yet it remains widely unknown and underdiagnosed. Even though it is as common as diseases such as diabetes or asthma, many have never heard of it.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside of the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, or other surrounding organs. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle which can lead to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue. Symptoms of Endometriosis vary from person to person, but the most common ones are severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods, fatigue, digestive issues, and fertility issues. These symptoms can be very prevalent or mild depending on the person. This variability is a reason why it is so difficult to diagnose. (who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis)
Even though Endometriosis affects millions, it often goes undiagnosed for 7 years on average. One major reason for this is that menstrual pain has been normalized or dismissed, with many being told that severe pain is just part of having a period. As a result, symptoms are frequently minimized by society and not taken seriously enough to seek medical help. Another issue is the lack of education and research surrounding women’s health overall. Historically, medical research has prioritized male bodies, leaving female-specific conditions like Endometriosis misunderstood, underfunded, understudied, and dismissed. There is no simple test for Endometriosis, the diagnosis often requires specific imaging and, in some cases, surgery. This complicated diagnosis procedure makes access to a diagnosis even more difficult. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8517707/)
Even though it isn’t well known or understood, Endometriosis can significantly affect physical and mental health, education, work, and relationships. Increasing awareness helps people recognize symptoms earlier, advocate for proper care, and challenge the stigma surrounding women’s menstrual and reproductive health. Educating yourself and others about this is a crucial step we all can take to better the research, treatments, and support for Endometriosis patients.
Posted in: Health