Endometriosis, a chronic and often painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide, has recently surged into public attention after Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin spoke openly about her struggles.
The condition, which impacts more than 6.5 million women in the United States, occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. Irwin's candid account has reignited global discussions about delayed diagnosis, debilitating symptoms, and the urgent need for better treatments.
What Is Endometriosis?
According to Mayo Clinic, endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where endometrial-like tissue develops in areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic lining. Unlike normal uterine tissue, these growths have no way to exit the body during menstruation, often resulting in inflammation, scarring and severe pain.
The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of reproductive age are affected by the disease, making it one of the most common yet underdiagnosed health issues globally.
Symptoms and Period Pain
The most common symptom associated with endometriosis is intense pelvic pain, often linked to menstrual periods, which is frequently misinterpreted as typical menstrual discomfort. Many women report cramping so severe that it disrupts daily life, alongside heavy bleeding, chronic fatigue, digestive problems and difficulties with fertility.
Research shows that diagnosis is often delayed by six to seven years, partly due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions and the longstanding misconception that extreme menstrual pain is normal.
Recent studies have also suggested that endometriosis may be linked to systemic health effects beyond the reproductive system, strengthening calls for a broader approach to management.
Surgery and Treatment Options
Treatment for endometriosis varies depending on severity and the patient's reproductive goals. Hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists like elagolix and relugolix, are frequently prescribed to manage pain. However, these medications can produce side-effects and may not be suitable for long-term use.
Surgery remains a key option for many patients. Laparoscopic excision, where surgeons remove endometrial growths, is considered the gold standard, though recurrence is common.
More recently, the US Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Device designation to a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure designed to target deep infiltrating endometriosis. Meanwhile, diagnostic innovation is also underway.
In July 2025, Massachusetts-based Kephera Diagnostics launched EndomTest, the first commercially available blood test for endometriosis in the United States. While not FDA-approved, the test represents progress towards less invasive diagnosis.
Bindi Irwin's Brave Reveal
Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, recently revealed that she had undergone surgery after enduring a decade of unexplained pain. The 26-year-old described how her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed before she finally received an accurate diagnosis.
Irwin shared that doctors discovered extensive disease during her surgery, which left her emotional but relieved to finally have answers. Her decision to speak publicly resonated widely, encouraging women across the globe to seek medical support and challenge stigma surrounding menstrual health.
Awareness and Research Momentum
Endometriosis is receiving increased policy attention in the United States. In March 2025, members of Congress introduced a resolution officially recognising Endometriosis Awareness Month.
At the same time, the Biden administration's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has launched the Sprint for Women's Health, allocating millions of dollars to accelerate new diagnostic tools, including endometriosis tests.
Scientific investigations continue to explore the disease's origins and risk factors. A 2025 study of Environmental Health Perspectives (EPH) linked exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to greater severity in endometriosis patients. Other research has highlighted how early-life adversity may increase the likelihood of diagnosis later in life.
Together, these findings underscore the complex nature of the disease and the need for sustained research funding.
