What is Endometriosis?

 

Put simply, endometriosis is when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. The varied symptoms this can cause, however, are often less straightforward. Most often, it affects the reproductive organs, bladder and appear beyond the pelvis, including in muscles, joints and lungs.

It is unclear as to what causes endometriosis, but there appears to be a genetic link, and immunological and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

When it comes to getting a diagnosis, a range of hurdles mean women often face a long wait for answers. Worldwide, the average delay in diagnosis is 7 years and it’s a similar timeframe in Australia.