Why Has It Taken So Long for Tech to Take Endometriosis Seriously?
Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women and often takes around seven years for a diagnosis. It is a condition characterized by endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, causing significant pain. Historically, it has been…
Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women and often takes around seven years for a diagnosis. It is a condition characterized by endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, causing significant pain. Historically, it has been under-researched and under-diagnosed.
Endometriosis impacts around 170 million women globally. Research from the University of York in 2024 indicates an average diagnosis time of 6.6 years, with some women in the UK waiting up to 27 years.
Symptoms vary and can include severe period pain, pelvic pain during or outside of the menstrual cycle, and potential infertility. The NHS notes that symptom severity does not necessarily indicate the condition’s stage.
Heavy or irregular periods Pain during or after sex Pain during urination or bowel movements, especially during periods Lower back or abdominal pain Fatigue Digestive issues, such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation during menstruation Difficulty in conceiving
Currently, there is no known cure or definitive cause for endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women and often takes around seven years for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis often requires laparoscopy, as endometriosis cannot be confirmed with blood tests or scans. Cultural factors also contribute, as women’s pain has historically been minimized.
The FemTech sector has only recently begun addressing endometriosis. Historically, medical research has been male-biased, resulting in gaps in female-specific healthcare solutions.
There is increased advocacy and more women involved in tech and medicine, recognizing women's health as a significant market opportunity. The WHO published its first fact sheet on endometriosis in 2021, highlighting the need for attention.
Endometriosis affects approximately 1.5 million women in the UK, with an economic impact of about 8.2 billion pounds annually. This includes healthcare costs and productivity losses.
AI-powered diagnostics Imaging and biomarker diagnostics Digital symptom tracking Therapeutics Pain management solutions
Despite previous underfunding, there is now significant economic potential in these areas.
Technological innovation is progressing, with startups like Revela in the UK developing AI software to analyze ultrasound scans for earlier detection of endometriosis.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.