One in 10 women and people assigned female at birth are living with an incurable and painful condition.
But it takes an average of seven years for endometriosis to be diagnosed after someone starts experiencing symptoms.
The condition occurs when the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, as far away as the lungs.
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It causes sometimes debilitating pain during periods when the lining sheds and the blood has no where to go like it would in the womb.
Many people with the condition feel dismissed when they complain of pain and push for answers.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of endometriosis is key for being your own best advocate.
Symptoms vary, with some people worse affected than others, according to the NHS.
The main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- pain in your lower tummy, back or pelvis, which is often worse during your period
- period pain that impedes your ability to do normal activities
- pain during or after sex
- painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during your period
- blood in your urine during your period
- feeling sick or nauseous
- constipation or diarrhoea
- difficulty getting pregnant
- heavy periods
During Endometriosis Action Month this March, the charity Endometriosis UK urged anyone experiencing painful periods or pelvic pain to discuss it with a doctor.
The number of people correctly able to identify endometriosis as a gynaecological condition when presented with a list of options is rising among men and women, but many still wouldn't seek medical help.
Nearly 90% of women aged 16-24, and 76% of all woman, would put off going to the doctor if they experienced painful periods that interfere with day-to-day activities, according to a poll of 2,000 people conducted by Censuswide.
Many women put this down to thinking "painful periods are a normal part of life", thinking doctors wouldn't take them seriously, and not wanting "to trouble the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic".
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: "We hear a lot of stories from those with endometriosis who were told as a teenager that having excruciating pelvic pain and periods was 'just part of being a woman' and to put up with it, that they were being overdramatic, that the pain was all in their head, or their level of pain not believed.
"As awareness and understanding of endometriosis grows, we hope comments like these can be consigned to history – while many may experience period pain at some point, chronic pelvic pain and period pains that interfere way of everyday life are different and should not be seen as normal.
"Awareness is increasing thanks to the dedication of thousands of Endometriosis UK’s supporters and campaigners. But it’s not increasing fast enough.
"During Endometriosis Action Month, we're urging those experiencing symptoms of endometriosis to take action and contact their doctor, so they can get the support and treatment they need."
