Endometriosis is a complex, systematic, and often debilitating inflammatory disease that occurs when endometrium-like tissue begins to grow outside of the uterus, too commonly dismissed as ‘just period pain’. Aspects of endometriosis are similar to those of malignant disease; like cancer, endometriosis can be both locally and distantly metastatic; attaching to other organs and tissues, invading, and damaging them. It can alter the gene expression in the brain, and cause immune and endocrine dysfunction.

In 2023, records have revealed that it affects 1 in 7 women of reproductive age with varying severity. It was previously believed to affect 1 in 10. The NCS lists it in the top 20 most excruciating diseases (On par with appendicitis & bone fractures, but ongoing), and as more painful than labour.

If not treated early, it can cause sepsis fatality due to chronic inflammation, other co-morbidities, irreversible infertility and permanent damage to organs and nerves. Yet on average, it takes 7-10 years before proper diagnosis due to lack of recognition, serious investigation, and the general understanding that severe period pain is not normal. It currently has no cure and no fixed treatment pathway, but symptoms can be managed with specialist help and surgery.