Probability of Developing Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, or about 6.5 million women in the United States and 190 million globally. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissue.

The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis is 7-10 years, making it one of the most delayed diagnoses in medicine. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, heavy periods, fatigue, and infertility (endometriosis is found in 30-50% of women with infertility). The only definitive diagnosis is through laparoscopic surgery, though imaging can sometimes identify endometriomas (ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis).

Treatment options include hormonal therapies (birth control pills, progestins, GnRH agonists), pain management, and surgery (excision or ablation of endometrial implants). Hysterectomy is sometimes recommended for severe cases but is not a guaranteed cure. The economic burden of endometriosis in the US is estimated at $78 billion per year, including healthcare costs and lost productivity. Research funding remains disproportionately low relative to the disease's prevalence and impact.