Up to 10% of women in Ireland suffer with endometriosis, which can lead to debilitating pain and problems with fertility. Yet the condition remains relatively unknown and diagnosis takes an average of nine years, the Endometriosis Association of Ireland (EAI) has said.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the womb - the endometrium - grows outside the womb. While some people do not display symptoms, others suffer with severe pain around the time of ovulation or menstruation. Other symptoms include pain during sex, pain when urinating or passing a bowel movement, chronic fatigue and problems with fertility.

While there are surgeries that can help manage the symptoms and assist with fertility issues, there is no cure for endometriosis.

Currently in Ireland, the condition can take years to diagnose and there are no specialist centres to treat it.

In an attempt to raise awareness of this condition, the EAI is to screen a new feature documentary later this month, which sheds light on living with endometriosis.

The film, ENDO WHAT?, features patients and 30 of the world's leading experts on the condition. It looks at the history, causes, treatment and consequences of living with endometriosis.

According to the film's director and producer, Shannon Cohn, ‘a perfect, awful storm exists when we're talking about endometriosis'.

"Societal taboos about ‘below the waist' problems, misinformed doctors, ineffective treatments and a vicious cycle of misinformation unknowingly perpetuated by patients themselves.

"An estimated 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, and yet most people don't know anything about it," she said.

Funds raised by the documentary will be used to support education initiatives and information campaigns for both women and healthcare professionals.

The EAI will be screening the documentary in the DLR LexIcon Library, Haigh Terrace, Moran Park, in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin on Saturday, June 25, at 3pm. This will be followed by an informal support meeting.

There is a suggested donation of €5, which will go towards the film's outreach campaign and the EAI. To book a ticket, click here

For more information on endometriosis and the EAI, click here