How can we better understand endometriosis?
Chris and Xand examine what we understand about the biology of endometriosis, the barriers to diagnosis, the state of research, and how people with symptoms can get the best help.
Welcome to What鈥檚 Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into endometriosis, a condition that occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other areas of the body. It affects around one in ten women of reproductive age, often causing severe pain, mental health issues and in some cases, it can result in infertility. In this episode, the doctors discuss the symptoms of endometriosis, the theories about its biological mechanisms and underlying cause, and why the condition is under-researched and under-funded, resulting in patients waiting on average 7.5 years to be diagnosed.
Joining them to discuss this is Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and an Honorary Consultant physician.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Chi Eziefula
Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
Editor: Faye Lyons-White
Researcher: Mili Ostojic
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: Leon Gower
Digital Lead: Richard Berry
Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the 麻豆社:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for 麻豆社 Radio 4
On radio
Broadcast
- Tue 24 Feb 2026 16:30麻豆社 Radio 4
Podcast
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What's Up Docs?
Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves.
