Here for all affected by endometriosis, and adenomyosis – our approach to EDI
Endometriosis UK is committed to supporting and advocating for everyone affected by endometriosis, and adenomyosis regardless of race, gender, sex, gender identity, class, sexual orientation or disability. While our services are open to all, we recognise that some individuals and communities face particular barriers that can make engagement more difficult. These may include, but are not limited to, young people under the age of 25, the LBGTQIA+ community and People of Colour. By identifying and focusing on these groups, we aim to better understand and address inequalities, so our support is accessible and responsive to diverse needs.
We support young people under the age of 25
Endometriosis and adenomyosis can affect girls and those assigned female at birth from puberty, and symptoms can start as young as 8 years old. It can have a big impact on young people’s lives. Research shows that among those under 25, many miss out on important parts of life—80% miss school, 77% miss college or training, and 86% miss work because of it.
Getting help early is important so young people can still achieve their goals.
We want to raise awareness about endometriosis and menstrual health among young people and their parents or carers. If they can recognise the symptoms, they can get help sooner. We provide information that’s suitable for different ages and work with schools and universities. We also pushed for menstrual health education to be included in school lessons in England and Wales (and soon Scotland), and we’re continuing to push for the same in Northern Ireland.
Young people with endometriosis should be able to get the care they need. We are calling for healthcare professionals to fully follow official guidelines (including for under-18s). We also create easy-to-understand advice and tools to help young people and their families understand the healthcare system and speak up for better care.
We support the LGBTQIA+ community
Endometriosis and adenomyosis present unique challenges for LGBTQIA+ communities, who often face unequal access to care. Discriminatory behaviour, implicit bias, and lack of awareness among healthcare professionals contribute to poorer health outcomes. One in eight LGBTQIA+ people has experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff. This leads to reluctance in seeking care and a lack of inclusive information about menstrual health issues.
Trans and non-binary people also experience limited support for endometriosis and adenomyosis. In England and Wales, over 260,000 people identify as transgender, with many likely affected by these conditions.
We work with LGBTQIA+ organisations and advocates to co-create support services and raise awareness within the community. We develop LGBTQIA+ specific resources for health professionals and we commit to accurate, authentic representation in our communications. We’re committed to providing all LGBTQIA+ people the support they deserve.
We acknowledge the diversity and intersections within LGBTQIA+ identities and strive to use inclusive language—referring to “women and those assigned female at birth”— to help everyone feel included.
We support people of colour
People of colour often experience poorer healthcare than others, including having their endometriosis pain dismissed. Despite improved data collection, the experiences of marginalised groups remain underrepresented—especially in conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Communities have told us the first step is for us to provide clear, culturally relevant information about endometriosis. Understanding the condition will support self-advocacy and help combat experiences of misdiagnosis and lack of healthcare.
We co-create accessible resources and co-deliver tailored events with community-led groups and organisations. We are determined to unpick embedded stereotypes and debunk myths. We amplify voices of colour by investing in research, including the Disbelieved, Dismissed, Delayed: Endometriosis Diagnosis Inequalities in Ethnically Diverse Communities Report. We aim to reduce diagnosis times and improve access to care for everyone.
We currently use the terms people of colour or ethnically diverse to identify those communities who come from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background. We are committed to continuing to evolve our language in ways that centre dignity, challenge structural power imbalances, and position our communities with the respect and recognition they deserve.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2025 – 2030
This five-year strategy outlines how we will ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) is at the centre of all of our work and supports our ongoing mission for everyone to have access to the appropriate care, support and treatment at the right time.