March is internationally recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about endometriosis, a chronic gynecological condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, most commonly during their reproductive years.
Despite how common the condition is, endometriosis is often diagnosed many years after symptoms first appear. For many women, the path to diagnosis can take seven to ten years, during which symptoms may be misunderstood, underestimated, or attributed to other conditions.
Understanding the signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can make a significant difference — both for quality of life and for reproductive health.
Why Is Endometriosis Often Diagnosed Late?
Several factors contribute to the delay in diagnosis.
Normalization of symptoms
Painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular cycles are often considered “normal” or “just part of being a woman”. Many women learn to tolerate these symptoms rather than seek medical investigation.
Non-specific symptoms
Pelvic pain, bloating, fatigue or menstrual disturbances may easily be attributed to stress, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hormonal fluctuations.
Lack of specialized evaluation
A routine ultrasound or basic hormonal testing is not always sufficient to detect endometriosis. In many cases, a more specialized diagnostic approach is required.
Fragmented medical care
Women may consult several healthcare professionals over time without a comprehensive review of their symptoms and medical history.
As a result, many women experience years of chronic pain, ineffective treatments, unnecessary interventions and significant emotional burden before receiving a clear diagnosis.
Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometriosis does not only affect a woman’s quality of life; it can create a complex environment for conception. It affects fertility through:
The good news: not every woman with endometriosis will experience infertility. However, timely evaluation of reproductive potential is essential — particularly for women who wish to conceive.
At this point, the guidance of a specialized reproductive gynecologist becomes crucial.
Expert Perspective
Evripidis Mantoudis, FRCOG, lead fertility expert at Gennima IVF explains:
"The most common question women with endometriosis ask our team when they are trying to conceive is: ‘Will I be able to have a baby?’
In most cases, the answer is yes. Today we have several treatment options, strategies and fertility approaches that can significantly improve the chances of success. Endometriosis may be a challenge for fertility, but with the right strategy, an individualized treatment plan and careful monitoring, pregnancy is often achievable.”
Don’t Postpone Fertility Evaluation
If you suspect — or already know — that you have endometriosis, it is important not to delay consultation with a fertility specialist.
Early fertility assessment is particularly important for women:
Early evaluation allows for timely decision-making and appropriate fertility planning.
How IVF Can Help Women with Endometriosis
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help overcome several infertility factors associated with endometriosis and may increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy more efficiently.
IVF may help because it:
However, it is important to understand that IVF:
As with all fertility treatments, success rates depend on several factors, including:
Knowledge Leads to Better Decisions
Endometriosis is a complex condition, but early diagnosis and specialized care can make a significant difference.
At Gennima IVF, our approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment strategies and continuous support, helping women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
If you have symptoms of endometriosis or are planning pregnancy, early consultation with a fertility specialist can help clarify your options and guide the next steps with confidence.
