7 October 2026
Endometriosis and mental health
Endometriosis can affect mental health through chronic pain and uncertainty. Guidelines treat psychological support as part of the care people with it receive.
Endometriosis information
Your pain does not have to be normal
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus. It most often shows up as severe period pain, pelvic pain and difficulty getting pregnant. For many people diagnosis takes years, because pain is so often brushed off as “normal”. Here we explain what you need to know, calmly and clearly, with sources.
The checklist does not diagnose. It prepares a summary to show your doctor. Your answers never leave your device.
Endometriosis in numbers
- Estimated share of the general female population
- 2% to 10%
- People of reproductive age affected worldwide (at least)
- 190 million
- Time from first symptoms to a reliable diagnosis
- 8 to 12 years on average
Source: ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline 2022. Details
Why does diagnosis take so long?
For many people, getting an endometriosis diagnosis takes years. It is rarely one mistake; it is several obstacles stacking up.
- Pain is treated as "normal"The World Health Organization notes that many people, and many front-line health workers, do not know that severe pelvic pain is not normal.
- Symptoms resemble other problemsPain, bowel and urinary symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.
- Imaging can look normalA normal ultrasound or MRI does not rule out endometriosis, especially superficial disease.
- The definitive method is surgeryLaparoscopy is an invasive procedure, so it is not always the first step.
Where would you like to start?
Frequently asked questions
See all questionsWhat is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, most often inside the pelvis. It can cause pain and difficulty getting pregnant, although not everyone has symptoms.
How common is endometriosis?
The exact figure is unknown. The 2022 ESHRE guideline gives an estimate of 2% to 10% of the general female population and states that at least 190 million people of reproductive age are affected worldwide.
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause is unknown. Theories such as retrograde (backward) menstruation and family predisposition are discussed, but no single theory explains every case.
What is a chocolate cyst?
A chocolate cyst is the popular name for an endometriosis cyst on the ovary (endometrioma). It is named after the dark, thick fluid inside. Not everyone with endometriosis develops one.
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