The delayed diagnosis of endometriosis

Honours+

8 April 2026

If health should be approached holistically, the same applies to health research. Beyond the medical aspect, disease and treatment have societal, economic, psychological and cultural determinants that need to be included in research. Students who want their first experience in an interdisciplinary research project can apply for the interfaculty Honours+ project, organised by EDLAB. This year, a group of 5 young women were brought together because they all chose the health topic. They quickly decided that an all-female group should work on a disease and all of its aspects that only affects people with a uterus: endometriosis and its delayed diagnosis.

In Honours+, students gain their first experience in approaching (global) challenges in an interdisciplinary setting, under the professional guidance of staff members from Maastricht University. These challenges are based on the Dutch National Research Agenda and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A group of students from FaSoS, FHML, FPN, LAW and SBE came together, and for six months, researched the delayed diagnosis of endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis tissue is endometrium-like tissue that grows outside the uterus, commonly on pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. This tissue acts similarly to the uterine lining by thickening and bleeding during menstrual cycles, causing inflammation, scar tissue, severe pain and even infertility. “The complexity of diagnosis lies in the different clinical presentations, but also in the taboo surrounding symptoms such as severe menstrual pain, problems with bowel movement and pain during intercourse”. According to the group, it can take up to seven years for a correct diagnosis. In the past, an invasive laparoscopy was needed to diagnose the disease. “We advocate for diagnosis based on medical history and for general practitioners to be more aware of endometriosis and its symptoms”.

Health across faculties

The delayed diagnosis of endometriosis can be studied from different perspectives. There is a cultural taboo, the pain can cause psychological problems, absence from work causes economical effects and national policies are needed to address systemic issues. “We use our own academic backgrounds to research these aspects and then work together to formulate problems and possible solutions”. In the teamwork lies the biggest win: “For example, when you study European Law or European Studies, health isn’t more than a touched-upon topic, Honours+ broadens your academic curriculum”.

A student-led research

Problem-Based Learning is embedded in all faculties, but Honours+ makes teams go one step further. “We chose our topic, our research methods, and the way we want to conduct our research and analysis. Of course, there are meetings with a supervisor, but this really feels like our research project. It is the first time we have experienced the full process from research question to results.”

The long-lasting effect of Honours+

The project of the team ends in May, when they will present their research. “There is a small competition between teams to deliver the best presentation. We will present a literature review, combined with interviews with experts in the field. From medical to anthropological.” In any case, the team jumped on the rising wave of awareness on endometriosis, mostly via social media. “We hope that in the near future, GPs will become more aware of the disease so the burden of initiating diagnosis no longer lies with the patients. Concurrently, biomedical research can help find the non-linear relation between lesions and pain severity. Technology and AI can help improve MRI screenings. And of course, societal awareness also means men become more aware of conditions that only affect people with a uterus.”

Text: Ruben Beeckman