Introduction Endometriosis is a complex condition of great variability and presentation (see Box 1). In many cases, this variability leads to difficulty and delay in making the diagnosis u Most studies report a mean auration of 8-lo ars between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. delays can occur when the symptoms begin in adolescence. Aside from the variability in presentation, the major reasons for delays in diagnosis include the prevalence of pelvic pain symptoms in the community and a lack of awareness by many health professionals that the onset of symptoms often occurs in adolescence. However, it is widely recognised around the world that endometriosis is now tbe commonest cause of chronic vic pain in women in most industrialised