Endometriosis—a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. The severity of the condition varies by individual, depending on the location and extent of tissue growth. As someone living with this condition, attending the Endo Ireland 2026 conference on March 28 in Dublin was a deeply personal and touching experience.
The conference was hosted by the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, an organisation run by volunteers dedicated to supporting and representing those impacted by the disease. The event featured a clinical panel where clinicians discussed current treatment options and their limitations. In a separate research panel, scientists shared their professional journeys and emphasised why more focus is needed in this historically underrepresented field.
The agenda also included personal stories from patients and expert talks covering essential topics such as mental health and nutrition. A representative from the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) addressed current treatment limitations, listened to patient feedback, and highlighted a commitment to improving future care pathways. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with the patient community and share our journeys. I was also deeply inspired to meet researchers in the field and hear about their transitions from other research areas into endometriosis research.
Written by Anusha Ashokan