Endometriosis hospital treatment up 50 percent in Germany

The number of cases of treatment for endometriosis in German hospitals has risen by 50 percent since 2014, figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) have revealed.

Endometriosis is more widely treated in Germany

The number of cases where people were treated for endometriosis in German hospitals is 50,1 percent higher than it was in 2014, according to Destatis figures released ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. In 2024, 91,1 percent of the patients treated for endometriosis in German hospitals were between the ages of 20 and 49.

Endometriosis is a health condition which causes cells similar to the womb lining to grow on other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, which can be very painful. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 10 percent of the worldwide female population of childbearing age is affected by endometriosis.

Despite its prevalence and symptoms, which can, in serious cases, significantly disrupt the everyday lives of those affected, endometriosis has long been overlooked by doctors. The causes of endometriosis are still unknown, and there is currently no cure.

But awareness is increasing. Destatis concluded that the sharp increase in endometriosis treatments in the past 10 years “has not only come from an increase in cases, but an increase in awareness”. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

According to the WHO, “symptoms in individuals with endometriosis are variable and broad, meaning that health and care workers may not easily diagnose it”. 

The condition can be asymptomatic or have symptoms wrongly attributed to menstrual pain alone. Symptoms can include severe menstrual pain, heavy periods, lower abdomen or back pain, pain while using the toilet, pain during sex, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and low moods.

If you think you might be affected by endometriosis, you can have diagnostic tests done at your gynaecologist in Germany. Since the condition is only beginning to be widely recognised, some treatments are not covered by health insurance providers. 

The Endometriosis Association Germany (Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland e.V.) and the Feminist Women’s Health Centre (Feministische Frauen Gesundheits Zentrum e.V.) both offer free advice about treatment.