Can men get endometriosis? A UK doctor explains the rare reality

Biology rarely follows rigid rules, and a UK physician is now highlighting a medical anomaly that many find impossible: men can develop endometriosis.

Dr Sermed Mezher, a London-based GP, explained on 18 February that although the condition is overwhelmingly linked to those with a uterus, it has been documented in biological males.

With fewer than 20 cases in history, Dr Mezher notes: “In these instances, endometrial-like tissue which normally lines the uterus is found growing in locations such as the bladder, abdominal wall, or inguinal canal.”

The explanation lies in our earliest days as embryos. At six weeks, every foetus develops a "Mullerian duct," the precursor to the female reproductive system.

In males, this typically shrinks away. However, Dr Mezher’s theory suggests that "remnants of these mullerian ducts can actually become reactivated after exposure to oestrogen."

This hormonal trigger often stems from specific medical contexts, such as prolonged oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer or severe liver cirrhosis, which prevents the body from breaking down the hormone.

Symptoms in men mirror those in women, including chronic abdominal pain and bloating. While the condition remains a biological rarity, it offers vital clues about how rogue tissue behaves.

Dr Mezher concludes: “The presence of this tissue in a male body is a biological anomaly that challenges some of the traditional theories regarding how the disease originates and spreads.”

By studying these cases, scientists hope to unlock a deeper understanding of how hormones and genetics drive this painful disease across all genders.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.