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190 million women worldwide have this condition. Most have never even heard of it.
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. On the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel and other organs. Every month this tissue behaves like it would inside the uterus. It thickens, breaks down and bleeds. But unlike the uterine lining it has nowhere to go. This causes inflammation, scarring and often severe pain.
It affects approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide. That is 190 million people.
SYMPTOMS
Debilitating period pain that is not relieved by painkillers. Chronic pelvic pain. Pain during or after intimacy. Heavy or irregular periods. Painful bowel movements or urination especially during periods. Bloating so severe it is sometimes called endo belly. Fatigue that does not go away. Difficulty getting pregnant.
These symptoms are real and they are not just bad periods.
THE DIAGNOSIS JOURNEY
The average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is seven to ten years. This is partly because symptoms vary widely between women and partly because they overlap with other conditions or doctors not taking symptoms seriously. Early awareness and detailed symptom tracking can significantly shorten that journey.
WHO TO SEE
A gynaecologist with experience in endometriosis is the best starting point. An endometriosis specialist centre if available in your area is even better.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
There is no blood test that definitively diagnoses endometriosis. The only confirmed diagnosis is through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery where a camera is used to look inside the abdomen. However an experienced specialist can often identify it through detailed symptom history and ultrasound.
HOW IT AFFECTS HER LIFE
Endometriosis is not just a period problem. It affects every area of a woman's life. Her ability to work, socialise, be intimate, sleep and think clearly. Many women with endometriosis also experience anxiety and depression as a direct result of living with chronic pain.
It can also affect fertility. Around 30 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience difficulty conceiving.
WHAT WOMEN CAN DO
Track your symptoms in detail. Pain levels, when it occurs, how long it lasts. This information is powerful in a doctor's appointment.
Advocate for yourself. Know your body and do not settle for answers that do not feel right.
Look into anti inflammatory nutrition, pelvic floor physiotherapy and pain management strategies while pursuing a diagnosis. Connect with the endometriosis community. It is strong and supportive.
FOR THE MEN READING THIS
You do not need to fully understand female biology to show up for the woman in your life. You just need to be supportive.
If she says she is in pain, take it seriously. If she has to cancel plans or cannot function on certain days, respond with patience and kindness not frustration.
Allah made men the caretakers and protectors of women. That is not just a financial responsibility. It is emotional and physical too. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized kindness toward women repeatedly throughout his life. There must be a reason for that, right? you do not have to have all the answers. Just be kind. Be patient. Be present.
A woman with endometriosis is navigating something most people cannot imagine. Show up for her with compassion.
Salam everyone,
I wanted to get your thoughts on something I’ve noticed. When the topic of working after marriage comes up, some Arab women seem to strongly reference qiwamah (قوامة), especially in relation to financial responsibility.
I’m just curious—why is this concept mainly brought up in discussions about working and supporting the household, particularly during difficult times? Shouldn’t marriage be about mutual support and helping each other when needed?
I’ve also observed that many Arab women married to non-Arab men contribute financially without framing it the same way, which made me wonder if qiwamah is sometimes being interpreted differently depending on the situation.
Just to be clear, I’m not opposed either way—I respect whatever dynamic works for a couple. I’m simply interested in understanding the different perspectives I’ve seen in many profiles and discussions.