International Women’s Day commemorates the political, social, economic, and cultural achievements of women throughout history. This important day also creates space to discuss issues that disproportionately affect women—one example of which being gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis. Despite affecting nearly 10% of women globally, endometriosis lacks proper research, funding, and disease awareness. As a result, women wait seven to eight years on average after initial symptom onset before receiving a formal diagnosis, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Sarah Bundra, Pharmaceutical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Painful periods are normalized, which discourages women from seeking medical care. In reality, pelvic pain can be an indicator for something much more serious. Women need to be aware of early signs and symptoms of endometriosis so that they are equipped with the proper knowledge to take care of their uterine health.”

GlobalData goes on to discuss potential symptoms of endometriosis, as well as various treatment options—both therapeutic and surgical—that can help to alleviate endometriosis-associated pain. Options to alleviate pelvic pain do exist, and women’s quality of life should not be compromised when therapeutics and surgical interventions are available.