Beyond Diagnostic Delay in Endometriosis: Consequences for Women’s Quality of Life and Opportunities for Earlier Detection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.67.74230Keywords
Endometriosis, Diagnostic delay, time to diagnosis, Early detectionAbstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-dependent disorder affecting approximately 10% of individuals assigned female at birth worldwide. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis is typically delayed by 4–12 years.
Objectives: To identify the causes of diagnostic delay, assess its consequences, and summarize strategies for earlier diagnosis.
Methods: A literature review of studies published through 2025 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Eligible studies reported diagnostic timelines in physician-confirmed endometriosis.
Results: The average diagnostic delay was approximately 6.8 years. Major contributing factors included normalization of menstrual pain, limited physician awareness, symptom misattribution, and historical reliance on laparoscopy. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of disease progression, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and socioeconomic burden.
Conclusions: Earlier diagnosis requires greater reliance on clinical assessment, expert ultrasound or MRI, improved primary care education, and validation of emerging biomarkers to facilitate timely referral and treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Weronika Wrzosek, Mateusz Zugaj, Jakub Skrzypek, Natalia Fidut, Karol Szyprowski, Kamila Zioło, Weronika Zarzycka, Maciej Kisielewski, Martyna Grzywacz, Bartosz Okliński
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