Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.

With endometriosis, these cells react to the menstrual cycle each month, and can also cause bleeding. However, as there is no way for the blood to leave the body, the process creates inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including: chronic pain, fatigue/lack of energy, depression/isolation, problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships, issues with conceiving, and difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments.

Some Quick Numbers on Endometriosis...

• 1 in 10 women and those assigned female of birth of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis.*
• 10% of women world wide have endometriosis - that’s 176 million worldwide.*
• The prevalence of endometriosis in women with infertility can be as high as to 30–50%.*
• Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK.*
• Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth, a similar number of those affected by diabetes.*
• On average it takes 8 years from onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis.*
• Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work and healthcare costs.*