Endometriosis and infertility risk: more information and prevention needed

Endometriosis, a disease that profoundly affects women's health with often debilitating effects, is still, unfortunately, greatly underestimated. In our country there are estimated to be more than 3 million cases and the disease affects around 10-15% of women of reproductive age. Despite these numbers, the path to a diagnosis can take years, resulting in a delay in starting treatment and a worsening quality of life.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and 28 March, in particular, marks World Endometriosis Day, an important occasion to promote more information, especially among the younger segments of the population. It is essential to stimulate attention and awareness, improving communication and fostering a culture of prevention that allows early recognition of symptoms, which are too often normalised or neglected.

Endometriosis can have disabling consequences, not only physically but also psychologically, relationally and at work. Among the most critical aspects is the impact on fertility, which can be seriously compromised in this case. According to data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, between 30% and 40% of women with endometriosis may experience reproductive difficulties. For this reason, early diagnosis becomes crucial, as it allows early intervention with treatments aimed at controlling symptoms and preserving ovarian function. In this context, the possibility of resorting to oocyte freezing, especially prior to surgical procedures such as ovarian cyst removal, is particularly important. This is a preventive strategy that can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful future pregnancy, even through medically assisted procreation techniques, helping to mitigate the effects of the disease.

The management of endometriosis also requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving gynaecologists, general practitioners, fertility specialists and mental health professionals, in order to guarantee comprehensive and personalised support to patients. Scientific research and prevention are two fundamental pillars to effectively combat such a complex and widespread chronic inflammatory disease, which affects an increasing number of women between the ages of 15 and 50, with a significant impact not only on health, but also on quality of life and social participation.

The hope is that the Government and the European institutions will invest more resources, both economic and human, to support research and offer new prospects for clinical trials. Increased attention to this pathology, accompanied by greater awareness and the active involvement of health professionals, can make the difference for many women who still delay check-ups or neglect prevention, which, instead, is strategically essential.