89 months. That's the median, not the exception.
Endometriosis is often dismissed as rare or vague. The figures tell a different story: it is one of the most common gynecological disorders, with a diagnosis process that structurally takes years.
Bigger than you think
89 months
median time between the onset of the symptoms and the diagnosis in Dutch research: more than 7 years.
400,000 to It is estimated that 500,000
women in the Netherlands have endometriosis: the Endometriosis Foundation itself consistently mentions 1 in 10 women.
~10.000
women visited the GP for endometriosis in 2022, possibly an underestimate due to how the diagnosis is registered.
The delay is in three phases
Research into where exactly the delay occurs shows that the patient waits a median of 7 months before going to the GP, the GP needs a median of 35 months to refer, and the gynecologist then again a median of 5 months before diagnosis. Women who wanted to have children received a diagnosis faster than women who came with pain. Gynecologists confirmed in the media in early 2024 that the average 7 years is still the practice, although several hospitals are now seeing an increase in referrals.
“From a few months to up to 30 years. That's how much time there can be between the first complaint and the diagnosis.”
It is not in the patient, but in the look
Menstrual pain is considered normal
Severe pain is often seen as something that is simply part of having a period, rather than a signal.
GPs underestimate the occurrence
Research confirms that GPs underestimate both the prevalence and the degree of delay.
Not a simple test
Only keyhole surgery makes the diagnosis with certainty. A normal gynecological examination or an ultrasound is often not enough.
What does and does not count
What is visible
- Women who are ultimately diagnosed
- Treatment results in specialized endometriosis centers
- Direct healthcare costs of laparoscopy and hormone therapy
What is invisible remains
- Anyone who is still in the middle of the years-long process sits
- Who has now come to see the pain as chronic and normal
- Missed school days, working days and fertility opportunities due to the delay
Where these figures come from
Median 89 months, range up to 30 years
On average still 7 years, confirmed in 2024/2025
1 in 10 women, 400,000 to 500,000 in the Netherlands
~10,000 GP visits in 2022, possible underestimate
Delay divided among patient, GP and gynecologist
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.