CORE EXHIBITION → HISTORY OF ENDO
History of endo
Explore how endometriosis has been misunderstood, misrepresented, and overlooked across centuries. From Ancient Egypt to modern medicine, uncover the history, art, and societal perceptions that have shaped this "invisible" condition.
A Clinical Lesson at the Salpêtrière, 1887, by André Brouillet.
Endometriosis through history and art
Did you know that endometriosis has a fascinating and complex history spanning centuries, if we just look a bit deeper?
In Ancient Egypt, early mentions of menstrual pain and conditions resembling endometriosis appear in the Kahun Gynaecological Papyrus (1825 BC). In the Middle Ages, priests performed uterine exorcisms, blaming hysteria on a "demonic presence" in the uterus that needed expulsion, often attributing such issues to witchcraft and sorcery. Fast forward to the 19th century, when the condition was often dismissed as hysteria or a psychiatric issue, with figures like Jean-Martin Charcot perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Women's pain was frequently reduced to spectacle, even reflected in art, showing just how deeply rooted misconceptions about women's health have been.
Discover more in an interactive slideshow
Would you like to dive deeper into the history and art of endometriosis? Download an interactive presentation and explore for yourself!
Teaser of the slideshow available for download.
The missed disease
Why does public knowledge and awareness of endometriosis remain so low? In this talk, Professor Nicky Hudson examines how outdated views on menstruation and pelvic pain contribute to misconceptions and the dismissal of those who suffer from the disease. Using the concept of ‘undone science,’ she explains why endometriosis remains overlooked in research and policy, while exploring its connections to health, gender, history and social justice.
Meet Nicky Hudson
Nicky Hudson is Professor of Medical Sociology and Director of the Centre for Reproduction Research at De Montfort University. Her research investigates both reproductive health and chronic illness, their management and social organisation, as well as their intersections. She was also one of the lead investigators on a UK study that explored the experiences of endometriosis among heterosexual couples.
Video language: English. Automatic subtitles available.
