General
How common is endometriosis?
The short answer
Endometriosis is common, affecting about 1 in 10 people of reproductive age. Higher rates are seen among people being evaluated for infertility or chronic pelvic pain, and many patients live with it for years before getting a clear explanation for their pain.
Endometriosis is common: it affects about 1 in 10 people of reproductive age. Because symptoms can be dismissed or overlap with those of other conditions, many patients live with it for years before getting a clear explanation for their pain.
We also see higher rates in certain settings, especially among people evaluated for infertility or chronic pelvic pain. If your symptoms fit, our team can help you understand whether endometriosis is a likely contributor and what a thoughtful diagnostic and treatment plan could look like.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Speak with Us
Could You Have Endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people of reproductive age and often goes undiagnosed for years. Our specialists can help confirm if your symptoms are due to endometriosis and guide you through diagnosis and treatment options.
Questions people ask next
All general questionsWho is at higher risk for endometriosis?
Studies suggest endometriosis is more common in people whose periods started younger, who have shorter cycles, or who have heavy or prolonged bleeding. Family history can increase risk, and certain reproductive tract anomalies are linked to a higher likelihood.
Are painful periods normal or a sign of endometriosis?
Mild period cramping can be common, but endometriosis and adenomyosis are two common causes of intense period pain. Severe, worsening, or disabling pain, especially when it keeps you home from school or work, is a signal to look deeper.
Why is endometriosis often misdiagnosed?
Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms can look like other conditions, and the bigger pattern can be missed. Limited clinician training, dismissed symptoms, and care split among specialists can lead to tunnel vision and delayed answers.
Why do endometriosis studies sometimes disagree?
Endometriosis studies can disagree because they include different forms of the condition, patient groups and prior treatments. Research teams may also use different diagnostic standards, measure different outcomes or follow patients for different lengths of time.
Further reading
How to Recognize Endometriosis Symptoms
Recognize endometriosis: painful periods, GI and urinary symptoms, dyspareunia, infertility. Understand causes, complications, diagnosis, and medical/surgical treatment options.
How Endometriosis Contributes to Infertility
How endometriosis leads to infertility: pathogenesis; effects on gametes, tubes, and endometrium; and treatments (expectant care, surgery, and ART).
What Else Could It Be? Ruling Out Other Causes
Explore essential insights on endometriosis and other causes of pelvic pain. Learn about differential diagnoses and effective treatment options.
