Endometriosis: Emerging barriers to care in sub-Saharan Africa

Endometriosis is a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility, affecting an estimated 176 million women globally¹. In sub-Saharan Africa, its diagnosis and management remain constrained by persistent misconceptions such as the belief that endometriosis is less common among Black women, entrenched socio- cultural taboos around menstruation, limited clinical awareness, and a scarcity of high-quality research2-5. Compounding these barriers are the high costs and limited availability of traditional, invasive diagnostic methods6. Collectively, these factors contribute to the significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of endometriosis in the region, exacerbating health inequities and delaying timely access to appropriate care.