Endometriosis Facts [Infographic]

Endometriosis continues to significantly impact the lives of so many, yet across the globe so little is being done to tackle it. Endometriosis is a common condition, impacting 1 in 10 women, but many people have still not heard of it. This March along with many others we set about increasing awareness of the condition. Education is the most powerful weapon in creating change!

Endometriosis is essentially a condition that occurs when the lining of the womb starts to grow in places that it shouldn’t! At times it can cause extreme pain because this tissue growing outside the womb continues to act as if it would during your period. Every month this tissue grows, shreds and bleeds. Only this blood can’t leave the body! Instead, it stays inside, causing inflammation, pain and the build-up of scar tissue.

It affects girls and women of reproductive age

Symptoms

Below is a short but not exhaustive list of the most common symptoms. It is important to note that evidence shows that it can affect everyone differently. Some people can have lots of endometriosis and have no symptoms, while others can have a small amount and severe pain.

Abdominal pain
Back and leg pain
Headaches
Bleeding between periods
Painful sex
Constant fatigue
Bladder & bowel problems
Depression or low mood
Heavy and painful periods
Fertility problems

Endo Facts

It is NOT rare
Endometriosis is one of the main causes of hospitalisation in Western Countries
Infertility is not uncommon
40% of women with endo may experience infertility
89% of women aged 16-24
will avoid visiting a doctor when experiencing painful periods even if they are interfering with day-to-day activities
1 in 10 women
That’s 176 million women globally that are affected by endometriosis
Average time to diagnosis = 7yrs
The disease can only truly be diagnosed via a procedure called laparoscopy

Source: ladytalkmatters.org