Endometriosis: The Common Disease Many Have Never Heard Of

This TEDx Talks video is about the prevalence of endometriosis and how even though it affects around 10 percent of women of childbearing age around the world, very few people have heard of the condition.

MORE: Three mobile apps which can help women with endometriosis

Filmmaker and women’s activist Shannon Cohn talks about the disease which is estimated to affect around 176 million women and girls. She also explains why it can often take up to 10 years before women living with the disease get an accurate diagnosis, and why women’s pain is so often ignored by the medical community.

Cohn explains that women see an average of eight different doctors before they get diagnosed with endometriosis, wasting a lot of time and money in the process. She questions why, with so many women suffering, are there so few answers to endometriosis — why are we no nearer to knowing the cause? why aren’t there better treatments? a cure?

MORE: What’s it like living with endometriosis

Endometriosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.