Patient Health International – health information for patients and carers

Endometriosis can seriously impair health and quality of life. These effects result from the pain, discomfort, bleeding, tiredness and alterations in bladder and bowel function that can occur.

In addition endometriosis can reduce the ability to become pregnant, as well as increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

An international survey involving over 7,000 women with endometriosis has also identified that:

90% of under 19’s have taken time off education
72% of women have had difficulties with personal relationships
41% of women have given up or lost their job
37% of women have reduced their working hours
34% of women have had significant problems with their partner
23% of women have changed their jobs
11% of women have had difficulty looking after their children
10% of women have suffered a marriage break-up

Since endometriosis is not associated with a visible handicap it can be very difficult for others to understand how this disease can severely affect normal day-to-day activities.