SINGAPORE - One in 10 Singapore women suffers from endometriosis.

It is a condition where cells from the womb lining grow in other areas of the body, like the ovaries or bowels. This causes extreme pain, and in severe cases, infertility.

A study conducted by the National University Hospital found that eight in 10 young women with the condition had suffered from severe pain during menstruation.

However, only one in 10 sought medical help after enduring the pain for two to four years, according to the study, which surveyed local women aged between 14 and 25. The study is the first of its kind in South-east Asia.

Dr Fong Yoke Fai, head of Benign Gynaecology at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National University Health System, said this was largely due to a lack of awareness of the disease.

"People can have menstrual cramps, but normal menstrual cramps should not affect your work efficacy and should not require you to take medical leave and so on.

"If your cramps are so bad that you feel like fainting, or feel giddy ... that would signify there is something unusual," Dr Fong said.

While there is no cure for endometriosis, doctors said early treatment could reduce pain and discomfort.

Women are advised to consult a doctor if they experience symptoms, such as severe pain, during their periods.