Epidemiology

Explore who is affected by endometriosis , how risks vary, and what population data reveal about endo—prevalence, comorbidities, genetics, and outcomes—to guide screening, diagnosis, and care decisions.

Overview

Endometriosis epidemiology looks at how often endo occurs, who is most affected, and how patterns differ across age, geography, and communities. About 1 in 10 people of reproductive age are affected, with higher rates among those evaluated for infertility or chronic pelvic pain. Disease can begin in adolescence and, while less common, may persist after menopause. Adenomyosis which is more prevalent than endo, frequently coexists, particularly with advancing age and heavy bleeding, which can influence symptoms and care planning.

Population data highlight risk modifiers such as early menarche, shorter menstrual cycles, heavy or prolonged periods, family history, and certain congenital reproductive tract anomalies. Studies also reveal diagnostic delays and inequities—people from Black, Hispanic/Latine, and Indigenous communities are less likely to be diagnosed promptly despite similar symptom burdens. Large cohorts show common comorbidities, including IBS, interstitial cystitis, migraine, pelvic floor dysfunction, and some autoimmune conditions. Use these insights to discuss timely evaluation and tailored care with your clinician, and explore related topics in Diagnostics & Imaging, Genetics, Related Conditions, and Fertility & Reproductive Health.

Common Questions

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.
Is endometriosis hereditary?
Yes, endometriosis can run in families, and having a parent or sibling with it raises your risk. But a family history does not guarantee you will develop endometriosis or reliably predict symptom severity, and many patients have no known family history.
Who 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.
Which genes are linked to endometriosis so far?
Genetic studies have found endometriosis risk signals near WNT4, GREB1, ESR1, FSHB, VEZT, FN1, SYNE1, and IL1A. They suggest risk is influenced by many common genetic variants, each with a small effect, rather than one single endometriosis gene.