Endometriosis: Facts, myths, and fertility impact

Living with endometriosis can be exhausting, frustrating, and, at times, completely overwhelming. If you're dealing with daily pain, struggling to get a diagnosis, or worried about how it might affect your fertility, you are not alone. So many women with endometriosis go through years of being dismissed or misunderstood, and that needs to change. We want to help you make sense of it all—what endometriosis really is, what’s true and what’s not, and most importantly, how you can get the help and support you deserve. 

Facts 

Fact 1: Endometriosis is more common than you think 

Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide—roughly 190 million people. That’s a huge number, yet so many people still don’t know what it is or how much it can impact daily life.  

Fact 2: Diagnosis can take years 

It takes on average 7–10 years for someone with endometriosis to be properly diagnosed. That’s a long time to be suffering without answers. The reason for the delay? Many doctors don’t recognise the symptoms straight away, and they can easily be mistaken for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you’re still searching for a diagnosis, don’t give up—keep pushing for the right support. 

Fact 3: Misdiagnosis is common and contributes to delays 

As mentioned in Fact 2, endometriosis is frequently mistaken for other conditions, leading to significant delays in receiving the right treatment. Around 75% of teenage girls with chronic pelvic pain are later diagnosed with endometriosis, yet many are first told they have IBS, anxiety, or even that it’s all in their head. The reality is that endometriosis symptoms can be complex and varied, but if your pain is interfering with your life, it’s worth getting checked properly. 

Fact 4: It can take a toll on mental health 

The constant pain, uncertainty, and lack of understanding from others can make endometriosis incredibly tough to deal with emotionally. Studies show that women with endometriosis are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety. It’s draining to be in pain all the time and feel unheard—but your mental health matters just as much as your physical symptoms. 

Myths  

Myth 1: Endometriosis is just a bad period 

Reality: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, not just painful periods. The pain can occur at any time during the cycle and can affect daily life, including work, relationships, and mental health. If you’ve been told your pain is ‘just a bad period,’ know that’s not true. Your pain is real, and it matters. 

Myth 2: Endometriosis only affects the pelvic region 

Reality: Endometriosis can grow on other organs, including the bladder, bowels, lungs, and even (rarely) the brain. It is a whole-body disease, not just a reproductive health issue. 

Myth 3: Endometriosis is always painful 

Reality: Some women with endometriosis have no pain at all, and for others, endometriosis pain only happens during periods, but for many, it’s there all the time. Chronic pelvic pain affects 75% of women with endometriosis, and 90% of those with deep infiltrating endometriosis experience severe pain. It’s not just ‘bad cramps’—it can be completely debilitating, affecting your ability to work, socialise, and enjoy life. 

Myth 4: If you have endometriosis, you are infertile 

Reality: Endometriosis is linked to infertility, with 30–50% of women with the condition experiencing difficulties conceiving. That said, it doesn’t mean you’ll never get pregnant. Many people with endometriosis conceive naturally, and there are fertility treatments available like IVF to help improve outcomes. If having children is something you’re thinking about, it’s worth getting advice sooner rather than later to explore your options. 

Myth 5: Pregnancy cures endometriosis 

Reality: Some women find relief during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but endometriosis does not go away. Symptoms often return after childbirth and, in some cases, can worsen postpartum. 

Myth 6: Endometriosis is easy to diagnose with ultrasounds or blood tests 

Reality: Endometriosis does not always show up on an ultrasound unless there are cysts (endometriomas). The most accurate way to diagnose it is through laparoscopy. However, laparoscopy is not always needed, and doctors can often start treatment based on symptoms. 

Seeking support and treatment 

If you’re struggling with endometriosis symptoms, you don’t have to put up with it or suffer in silence. You deserve care, answers, and proper treatment. The sooner you get support, the better your chances of managing symptoms and, if needed, improving your fertility. 

At Care Fertility, we understand how tough this journey can be. Whether you're looking for advice or exploring fertility treatment options, we’re here to help. 

For more information, visit our endometriosis and fertility page or get in touch with our specialists.