From March 2 to March 8, 2026, Europe will observe its 22nd annual Endometriosis Awareness Week, a dedicated period to increase understanding of a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of women. This initiative aims to inform the public and address the significant gaps in knowledge surrounding endometriosis, a condition often associated with delayed diagnosis and inadequate care. A national strategy, spearheaded by the French Ministry of Health and Autonomy, focuses on ensuring rapid diagnosis, quality healthcare access, encouraging research, and raising societal awareness to improve the daily lives of those affected.
Endometriosis, which impacts an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age, remains a complex and often misunderstood condition. Researchers are currently working to refine epidemiological data to determine the precise number of women affected. Despite growing awareness in recent years, misconceptions persist, even among some medical professionals, due to the disease’s varied presentation and differing levels of severity from person to person.
Debunking Myths About Endometriosis
The Ministry of Health has launched an information campaign to address common misconceptions about endometriosis. A key message is that significant pain during menstruation should not be dismissed as “normal” or acceptable. Women experiencing intense menstrual pain are encouraged to consult their primary care physician, gynecologist, or midwife, and if necessary, seek referral to a regional endometriosis center for appropriate diagnosis, and treatment. What we have is particularly critical because painful periods are not the only symptom of endometriosis.
“The disease can be accompanied by a range of symptoms, varying from person to person, such as pain during sexual intercourse, urinary problems, pain during bowel movements, and difficulties conceiving,” the Ministry of Health explains. This highlights the fact that endometriosis isn’t a single disease, but rather a spectrum of conditions, and can even be asymptomatic in some cases.
One common misconception is that menstrual pain is the sole indicator of endometriosis. However, pain can turn into chronic, extending beyond the menstrual cycle. Dr. Eric Petit, a radiologist specializing in endometriosis at Hôpitaux Saint-Joseph and Marie-Lannelongue, explained in a Ministry of Health video, “Women are often painful during their periods, but after a certain amount of time without a diagnosis, the pain becomes chronic, extending beyond menstruation. There’s a second peak of significant pain frequency to report and question. Are you experiencing pain during ovulation? Painful deep intercourse? Then, in more severe forms, pain during urination or bowel movements. Beyond that, a symptom, among others, that isn’t pain but can reflect endometriosis, are difficulties conceiving.”
Semaine européenne de sensibilisation à l’endométriose : non, les douleurs de règles ne sont pas le seul symptôme – ©
The French Institute for Multidisciplinary Endometriosis (IFEM Endo) identifies seven common symptom categories. Pain during and after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) is frequently reported, particularly “deep dyspareunia,” resulting from lesions near the vagina or inflammation associated with superficial endometriosis. According to the French Public Health Service, approximately 50 to 70% of women with endometriosis experience dyspareunia.
Digestive and Urinary Symptoms Often Overlooked
Many patients also experience pain during bowel movements (dyschezia) and digestive issues like pain, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. These symptoms, often mirroring those of irritable bowel syndrome, tend to worsen during menstruation. The IFEM Endo notes that these symptoms may indicate endometriosis affecting the rectum or sigmoid colon in approximately two-thirds of cases, or simply be an irritative effect on the digestive tract. The term “endobelly,” referring to unexplained abdominal bloating, is also common, with 96% of women with endometriosis reporting experiencing it, though This proves not yet medically recognized as a symptom.
In some cases, endometriosis can affect the bladder or ureters, leading to symptoms resembling urinary tract infections, but with negative urine tests. Endo France explains that patients may experience bladder pain that worsens during menstruation, frequent urination with small volumes, and a diminished quality of life. Pain can also manifest in seemingly unrelated areas like the lower back, buttocks, legs, vulva, or anus, as lesions can attach to nerves throughout the pelvic region.
The presentation of endometriosis varies greatly, with some individuals experiencing a wide range of symptoms while others have none at all. The French Public Health Service emphasizes that endometriosis doesn’t necessarily cause infertility, but can reduce fertility through various mechanisms, such as severe lesions or pain-related reductions in sexual activity. However, some women with endometriosis experience no difficulty conceiving. Early diagnosis and individualized care are crucial for managing this complex condition.
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Semaine européenne de sensibilisation à l’endométriose : non, les douleurs de règles ne sont pas le seul symptôme – ©
