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Living with endometriosis

Painful periods from the age of 14, years of doubt, and a diagnosis only at 29. Like so many women, Chaimaa was told for years that her pain was "normal". Her story reflects the experience of many women living with endometriosis and shows why finally putting a name to the condition changes everything.
Women's health

Living with endometriosis

Age 14: the first signs

From her very first periods, Chaimaa suffers from severe pain that leaves her bedridden every month. Everyone around her says the same thing: "It's normal, some women just suffer more than others." She learns to live with it.

Ages 18 to 25: the years of doubt

The days off start to add up, first at school, then at work. She sees several doctors, but her test results always come back normal. No one can explain what is wrong. Little by little, she begins to believe the pain is "all in her head".

Her experience is far from unusual. Depending on the country, it takes an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition that affects around one in ten women of reproductive age. This delay is partly because standard tests, such as ultrasound scans or blood tests, don't always detect the disease, and partly because period pain is still too often seen as normal.

Age 29: a diagnosis at last

It is only when she sees a third gynaecologist that Chaimaa is finally diagnosed with endometriosis. It is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. This tissue responds to the hormones of the menstrual cycle: it bleeds, causing inflammation and severe pain. Symptoms vary from one woman to another and can include extremely painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, persistent fatigue and digestive problems. For some women, the condition is only discovered during fertility tests.

What is changing today

Awareness is growing, albeit slowly. New diagnostic tools are emerging, such as saliva tests that analyse microRNAs, which could eventually shorten the long road to diagnosis for future generations of patients.

Ages 29 to 34: learning to live with it

There is currently no cure for endometriosis. However, effective treatment options do exist: hormonal treatments to slow the progression of the disease, surgery in some cases, pain management and psychological support. The aim is to preserve quality of life and, for those who wish to have children, fertility.

Age 34: today

Chaimaa is on treatment and has regular follow-up appointments. "What helped me most was finally being able to put a name to what I was going through. It changed everything."

The stories featured on this site are personal testimonies intended for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical consultation and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. If you experience any symptoms or have a medical concern, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare professional.