How Common Is Endometriosis Really?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects a significant number of people in the UK — but just how common is it? Understanding its prevalence helps shed light on the scale of the issue and why awareness and better care are so important.
The Numbers: What the Research Says
- Around 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth are estimated to have endometriosis in the UK (NHS, 2023).
- This means roughly 2 million people in the UK may be living with the condition.
- However, the exact number is difficult to pinpoint because diagnosis often requires surgery (laparoscopy), and many people remain undiagnosed.
Why Is It Underdiagnosed?
Several factors contribute to underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, including:
- Symptoms vary widely and can overlap with other conditions like IBS or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Painful periods are sometimes dismissed as “normal” by healthcare providers and society.
- Lack of awareness among patients and some healthcare professionals.
- The average time to diagnosis in the UK is about 7.5 years (Endometriosis UK, 2024).
Who Does Endometriosis Affect?
While it primarily affects those assigned female at birth during their reproductive years, endometriosis can also:
- Occur in teenagers experiencing their first periods.
- Affect people who have never been pregnant.
- Rarely be found in post-menopausal individuals.
Why These Numbers Matter
Understanding how common endometriosis is helps to:
- Advocate for better training for GPs and specialists.
- Support funding for research and improved treatments.
- Reduce stigma by showing it’s not a rare or “made-up” condition.
- Encourage earlier conversations about symptoms in schools and families.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis is more common than many realise. Recognising its prevalence is the first step toward improving care, reducing delays in diagnosis, and supporting those affected.
References
NHS (2023). Endometriosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/ [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].
Endometriosis UK (2024). Diagnosis Delay Statistics. Available at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org [Accessed 7 Aug. 2025].
