Quick facts: Important things you should know about endometriosis

Endometriosis manifests itself as early as during a woman's teen years. Treatment options are available locally.

Below are some quick facts about endometriosis.

• It manifests itself as painful menses
• This (painful menses) usually starts at teenage years
• Irregular menses (not monthly)
• It can lead to fibroids if not detected in time. Fibroids also a cause of infertility
• In some, it causes nausea, acidity reflux and gastritis
• In Kenya, it takes an average seven years to correctly diagnose. In Norway, the period is 12 years
• Doctors discourage laparoscopy to diagnose and treat endometriosis as the procedure might cause more damage to ovaries. Instead, an MRI is recommended
• It is treated by three month therapy, which reduces menses to once every three months