Endometriosis diagnosis often delayed for years

Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women globally, often remains undiagnosed for a decade or more following the onset of symptoms. The disease occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows on other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, bladder, or bowel.

Common symptoms include debilitating pain during menstruation, intercourse, or bowel movements, as well as bloating, fatigue, and infertility. While new diagnostic tests are being utilized in other countries to improve detection, these tools are not currently available in the United States. Medical experts suggest that while these new methods offer hope, they may serve as a useful tool rather than a complete solution for the condition.