Endometriosis Awareness Month
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. Despite being so common, it remains widely underdiagnosed and often misunderstood. Endometriosis Awareness Month offers an important opportunity to highlight why greater knowledge, earlier diagnosis, and comprehensive care are urgently needed.
The disease occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, or other pelvic structures. These lesions can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and in some cases infertility. However, endometriosis is much more than “just painful periods.” Many individuals experience severe pelvic pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, pain during intercourse, and difficulties with daily activities, work, and social life.
One of the most concerning aspects of endometriosis is the delay in diagnosis. Studies consistently show that many patients wait several years between the onset of symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis. This delay often results from normalization of menstrual pain, limited awareness among the general public, and the complexity of the disease itself. Increasing awareness is therefore essential to ensure that symptoms are taken seriously and evaluated early.
Modern management of endometriosis requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Treatment options may include hormonal therapies to suppress disease activity, pain management strategies, and in some cases surgical treatment performed by experienced specialists. However, optimal care should go beyond symptom control. Psychological support, fertility counseling when needed, and individualized treatment plans are fundamental components of patient-centered care.
Research on endometriosis is rapidly evolving. Scientists and clinicians are working to better understand the mechanisms behind the disease, identify non-invasive diagnostic tools, and develop more effective therapies. Greater investment in research and stronger collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and patient communities are key steps toward improving outcomes.
Endometriosis Awareness Month reminds us that raising awareness is not only about sharing information—it is about giving visibility to a condition that has long been underestimated. By improving education, promoting earlier diagnosis, and supporting comprehensive care, we can help ensure that people living with endometriosis receive the attention, understanding, and treatment they deserve.
Associate Professor in the Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Paolo Giaccone” Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo (Palermo, Italy).
Antonio Simone Laganà was born in Reggio Calabria (Italy) on 8th May 1986. He was Coordinator of the Special Interest Group for Endometriosis & Endometrial Disorders (SIGEED) of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Antonio Simone Laganà was trained in obstetric/gynecological ultrasound at the Altamedica Main Centre in Rome (Italy), got the Master in “Gynecological Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery” at the University of Pisa (Italy), the Ph.D. in “Medical and Surgical Biotechnologies” at the University of Messina (Italy), and developed an intensive training in minimally invasive gynecological surgery (high-volume advanced laparoscopy, hysteroscopy) at the Univerzitetni Klinični Center Ljubljana (Slovenia), during the Subspecialist Training Programme (Fellowship) in Reproductive Medicine (according to the criteria of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, ESHRE, and European Board and College of Gynecology and Obstetrics, EBCOG).
His research interests include endometriosis, reproductive immunology, infertility, gynecological endocrinology, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy. He is the author of more than 580 papers published in PubMed-indexed international peer-reviewed journals, and his presence is often requested as an invited speaker at international congresses. He is currently an editor of high-impact journals, including Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and many others.
He is habilitated as Full Professor in Italy for Gynecology and Obstetrics.