Endometriosis affects millions of women globally

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowel. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal cycles by thickening and bleeding, but because the blood cannot escape the body, it leads to inflammation, scar tissue, and chronic pelvic pain.

The condition affects approximately 10% to 15% of women of reproductive age, which translates to roughly 190 million people globally. In Italy alone, it is estimated to affect at least three million women. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis is frequently delayed by five to twelve years because symptoms are often dismissed as normal menstrual cramps or mistaken for digestive and urinary disorders.

Early recognition is critical for managing chronic pain, preserving fertility, and improving overall quality of life. Emerging research also highlights the potential role of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota in the condition.