Endometriosis can be a chronic and debilitating gynaecological condition affecting nearly 2 million women in the UK, often seriously impacting on their quality of life.

It can develop at any age - from early teenage to the menopause. No-one knows exactly what causes it but cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found outside it, mainly in the pelvic area, which can create painful inflammation, adhesions and cysts or be associated with infertility.

Endometriosis can impact on a woman’s life in a number of ways including pain, depression; problems with the couple’s sex life; an inability to conceive, absence from work and social isolation.

Endometriosis UK provides a range of services that offers hope, information and support for women with endometriosis, as well as partners and families.

Our Vision-

The charity's vision is one where endometriosis is widely acknowledge and accepted as other chronic conditions are already.

We want women to be able to receive faster referral, diagnosis and treatment to give them every opportunity to enjoy quality of life and for this condition to no longer be a 'secret' or taboo.

We want to see more funding of research so that we can begin to understand the causes of endometriosis so that we can then begin to develop more effective treatments and reduce the impact it currently has on so many lives.

Programmes and Activities-

Our work covers the following areas:

Helpline
We provide a free helpline that aims to be available 365 days a year (0808 808 2227). The helpline is staffed by women with endometriosis and is a vital point of contact, enabling women and families to understand the condition and how to deal with their own situation. Often it is the first time a woman has spoken to someone who has endometriosis, which can be reassuring, making them feel less isolated.

Local Groups
The charity currently has 35 regional groups. The groups provide the opportunity for women to meet each other locally and enable them to discuss and share experiences with others who understand not just the physical, but also emotional problems associated with endometriosis.

Information
We provide a wide range of publications and factsheets on endometriosis. Our publications help people understand the condition and answer questions on specific areas such as treatments, dealing with pain and seeking further support. The charity's website - www.endometriosis-uk.org provides information plus a message board that enables women to get in touch with each other for support and information.

Volunteer training
What is unique about our work is that all our services are manned by volunteers with endometriosis who are giving up their own time to support others. Volunteers are all given annual training to ensure they have the tools required to manage their roles effectively

Research
The charity promotes funds and disseminates the results of research.

Campaigning for best practice
We are a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis (APPG), which aims to raise the profile with MPs, to seek support from the government and to increase understanding and awareness to health professionals.

Raising awareness
We promote our work to a variety of audiences including the media, celebrities, unions and companies. In addition the Society is actively involved in Endometriosis Awareness Week in the first week of March each year.