OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a condition with an estimated prevalence of 10% among women of fertile age and with a varying impact on the affected women’s quality of life and health care consumption. The purpose of this study was to describe to what extent affected women consume health care resources and incur indirect costs in Sweden. METHODS: A postal survey consisting of 88 questions concerning health care consumption, occupation, absenteeism and quality of life was sent to 800 women recruited from The Endometriosis Association, Sweden (n=400) and from five gynecology departments at five Swedish hospitals (n=400). Descriptive statistics were performed, and direct and indirect costs were calculated from the data. RESULTS: Women with endometriosis on average have direct costs for primary care visits, specialist visits, hospitalization and surgery corresponding to 51 000 SEK (5 600 Euro) per person per year. This is double the cost of care for the general population. Indirect costs for absenteeism and lower efficiency at work amount to 40 000 SEK (4 500 Euro) per person per year, while informal care amounts to 2 000 SEK (200 Euro) per person per year. Women with endometriosis qualify more frequently for free medical care and pharmaceuticals under the Swedish benefits systems than do the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Women with endometriosis consume more health care resources and medication than the general population and the reported productivity losses entail a significant cost for patients and society. Earlier diagnosis could contribute to lowering the resource consumption, as could improved treatment efforts and support from health care providers and society in large.