March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we’ve teamed up with our resident sex-pert CliterallyTheBest to shine a light on endometriosis — an often misunderstood and under-researched condition affecting millions worldwide.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This can cause severe pain, heavy periods, fatigue, and sometimes fertility issues.
In rare cases, endometriosis has been found in unexpected areas of the body, including the lungs, diaphragm, and even the brain.
Despite seriously affecting 190 million people worldwide, it remains under-researched and frequently misdiagnosed (like much of women's health), leaving those in the UK facing an average wait time of around eight years for a diagnosis.
Treatments for Endometriosis
Treatment options for endometriosis are limited and often focus on symptom management rather than a cure.
Pain relief, hormonal therapies, and surgery to remove lesions are common approaches, but none guarantee long-term relief, and symptoms often return.
Recently, the NHS approved a new pill: Ryeqo, which offers hope for some by helping to manage symptoms. However, access is highly restricted, with only a small percentage of those with endometriosis eligible for it.
Despite its impact, research into new treatments remains underfunded, leaving many with few options and years of trial and error to find what works for them.
