Endometriosis Awareness Month: Understanding the Condition That Affects 1 in 10 Women

March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month—shedding light on a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women globally

For millions of women around the world, endometriosis is more than just a medical condition—it’s a silent, often misunderstood struggle that disrupts lives in ways that are not always visible. Affecting 1 in 10 women, this chronic illness causes pain, infertility, and an emotional toll that goes unnoticed by many. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains shrouded in stigma and ignorance, with a lack of understanding leaving countless women feeling isolated in their battle. Chances are, there is a woman you care about who has endometriosis, but you may not even know it. In fact, even she may not know it yet.

As we observe Endometriosis Awareness Month this March, we speak to Dr. Ido Sirota, a distinguished gynaecologist specialising in endometriosis, minimally invasive and cutting-edge robotic surgery, and fertility care. Launching an initiative in Dubai that focuses on increasing awareness through public talks and collaborations with healthcare providers, Dr. Ido advocates for better diagnostic tools and treatment access within Dubai’s emerging hub for women’s health.

“My work spans through international conferences, media engagements, and direct patient care—helping women worldwide take charge of their health,” explains Dr. Ido. “I believe that every woman deserves to understand her body better, recognise symptoms earlier, and receive expert care.” Trained at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Ido has dedicated his career to advancing women’s health, collaborating with international experts and contributing to cutting-edge research.

It’s time to get educated—let Dr. Ido walk you through a complete guide to understanding endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

“Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (the endometrium) starts to grow outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the tissue lining the pelvis, and beyond,” explains Dr. Ido. This can cause chronic pain, especially during menstruation, and may lead to infertility, heavy periods, and other symptoms. Affecting 1 in 10 women globally, endometriosis is one of the most prevalent yet under-recognised gynaecological conditions.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

“Endometriosis is a very elusive disease. And so when a patient comes to you, you need to take a thorough obstetric and gynaecological history,” says Dr. Ido. “You need to sit and listen to her properly, as there may be symptoms she isn’t aware are related, and ask detailed questions she may not have considered before.” A gynaecological exam, followed by a thorough, highly-specific ultrasound can also indicate the disease, but the gold standard of diagnosis is through laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery, with a minimally invasive approach.

Painful periods aren’t the only symptom

“While painful periods are the hallmark of endometriosis, the condition presents a diverse spectrum of symptoms. Women may experience chronic pelvic pain, pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, and also even discomfort during bowel movements or urination,” explains Dr. Ido. There are, however, less recognised signs: severe fatigue, mood swings, bloating, and lower back pain can all be symptoms of endometriosis, and cyclical migraine headaches are not unheard of. “Symptoms can vary widely and overlap with other conditions that are often dismissed as quote—unquote ‘normal menstrual discomfort,’ which means endometriosis often goes misdiagnosed.” In the worst cases, women can be bedridden from the pain, unable to walk, and experience bowel and urination obstructions.

Endometriosis can significantly impact fertility

“Delayed diagnosis of endometriosis can have significant implications for fertility,” explains Dr. Ido. “The chronic inflammation, formation of adhesions, and development of ovarian cysts can interfere with the normal function of the reproductive organs, potentially leading to reduced egg quality and impair the tubal function.” Unexplained infertility can also be the first sign that something is amiss. “Up to 50% of women with endometriosis suffer from infertility, and more than that, up to 50% of women worldwide who are affected by infertility have endometriosis.”

Early detection is crucial

“Early detection is vital, as timely intervention can prevent further scarring and damage to the tissue, preserving fertility,” Dr. Ido continues. In fact, addressing the condition early may open up more treatment options, because when diagnosis is delayed the disease has time to proliferate. The average delay in diagnosis? A staggering 12 years.

Endometriosis affects the entire body

“Endometriosis isn’t confined to the reproductive organs—its effects can be systemic. The misplaced endometrial lining and tissue can lead to inflammation in surrounding organs including the intestines, the bladder, and in rare cases even the diaphragm and the lungs,” explains Dr. Ido. Every possible organ in the body has been documented to have endometriosis, and the chronic inflammatory state can affect overall immune function and general well-being, too—it is a whole body condition.

Hormonal treatment isn’t a cure-all

“Hormonal treatment is a management tool, not a cure,” explains Dr. Ido. “Hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, GnRH agonists (medication that affects sex hormones) and IUDs are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms by suppressing the hormones that fuel the abnormal tissue growth, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to note that hormonal treatments do not cure endometriosis. They only alleviate symptoms.” For many women, hormonal management serves as a valuable part of a broader treatment plan, sometimes in conjunction with surgical interventions, but an individualised approach is key.

Endometriosis requires long-term management

“Managing endometriosis requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted and long-term strategy,” says Dr. Ido. “This can include lifestyle modifications such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise and stress reduction techniques, all of which can help mitigate symptoms.” Physical therapy—particularly pelvic floor rehabilitation—is also beneficial and alternative medicine treatments can help as well. Minimally invasive surgery, especially excision surgery performed by an endometriosis expert, can remove affected tissue and reduce chronic pain, but precision is key—regular follow-ups with a specialist will ensure that your care is responsive to evolving symptoms. “Endometriosis care is a marathon, not a sprint,” he adds.

Menopause can influence symptoms

“When women reach menopause, the ovaries are slowing down and stop producing hormones. Hormones, especially oestrogen, are the fuel for endometriosis,” explains Dr. Ido. “So usually the symptoms die down slightly because it’s a fertility-age disease. However, fertility age for a woman is a really long time, and some women might still suffer symptoms throughout menopause—it’s important not to dismiss them.”

Endometriosis can affect mental health

“Endometriosis affects a person in so many ways. It can affect a woman’s relationship and intimacy with her partner, or at work because colleagues don’t understand why she’s in pain all the time and she can’t function,” explains Dr. Ido. “She may not be able to go out with her friends or attend family events, so it has a huge impact on mental health and you can’t just think of it as a physical problem—it is important that patients with endometriosis have the right support network around them.”

Endometriosis sufferers still experience stigma

“Society has long told women that it’s ok for them to suffer. That pain is normal, it’s just part of being a women, don’t complain,” says Dr. Ido. “They might have been told that it’s just in their head, or to see a psychiatrist, or just take something for the pain—many women all over the world are still embarrassed to talk about it because they don’t have the right forum. And that’s what we’re trying to change. We are here to change the paradigm. Together, we can do better for women.”

For more information on women’s health, follow Dr. Ido Sirota on Instagram.