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The month of March begins the Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Endometriosis Association began Endometriosis Awareness Month in 1993 and began because the disease is often missed or misdiagnosed.
On average, it takes 6.5 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis.
There are nearly 1 million Australians with endometriosis.
About Endometriosis
Endometriosis Australia released some information and statistics about this condition.
"Endometriosis is a common inflammatory condition in which cells SIMILAR to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grow in other locations in the body. Endometriosis is commonly found in and around the pelvis and reproductive organs. Still, it can also be seen in other parts of the body, including the bowel, bladder, and as far away as the lungs and the brain.
Nearly 1 million Australians live with endometriosis at some point in their life, with the disease often starting in teenagers. Around half of those living with endometriosis are challenged by fertility, but 70% will go on to have children.
The delay in diagnosis has reduced in recent years, but it still takes an average of 6.5 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Symptoms can occur as early as eight years of age. Common symptoms include pelvic pain that puts life on hold around or during a person’s period. It can impact fertility for some but not for all.
In an Australian government report, endometriosis is reported to cost Australian society $9.7 billion annually, with two-thirds of these costs attributed to a loss in productivity, with the remainder, approximately $2.5 billion being direct healthcare costs.
Recent statistics (AIHW 2023) found that 1 in 7 (14%) of women, girls and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) will be diagnosed with endometriosis by the age of 44 to 49."
If you would like to learn more about Endometriosis there are many resources available online, and Endometriosis Australia offer specific support to those living with Endometriosis at:
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