It affects 190 million people worldwide with chronic pain and fertility problems, yet endometriosis is little understood - even by healthcare providers.

The Vagina Museum hopes to rectify that when it reopens to the public this weekend with the exhibition Endometriosis: Into the Unknown.

It will tackle the facts and myths around the common gynaecological problem, in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus are found in other parts of the body.

The condition causes debilitating pain, especially during periods, and can affect women's chances of getting pregnant.

It can also cause heavy periods, diarrhoea and constipation, and can lead to depression.This Is Local London: Florence Schechter is founder and director of the world's first bricks and mortar Vagina MuseumFlorence Schechter is founder and director of the world's first bricks and mortar Vagina Museum (Image: The Vagina Museum)

Around 1.5 million women or those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, according to Endometriosis UK.

Details of cutting edge research - and the reality of living with the condition - will also be aired in the display, which is produced in collaboration with Oxford EndoCare and The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics at Oxford University.

When the museum first opened in Camden market in 2019, it was the world's first bricks and mortar space dedicated to vaginas, vulvas and gynaecological anatomy.

It has since moved twice, and after last closing its doors in February 2023, raised £85,000 in a crowdfunding appeal to secure new premises. This Is Local London: The new Vagina Museum site opens on Saturday in Poyser Street Bethnal GreenThe new Vagina Museum site opens on Saturday in Poyser Street Bethnal Green (Image: Philippa Cave)

Directors hope the new base under railway arches in Poyser Street, Bethnal Green will be permanent. When finished it will house three galleries, a cafe, and events space hosting a programme of talks, comedy, workshops and performances.

Camden-based Vagina Museum founder and Director, Florence Schechter said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening our doors to the world once again. The new Vagina Museum home is bigger and better than ever before.

"Over the next few months, you’ll be enjoying exciting events as well as our crucial exhibition, Endometriosis: Into the Unknown.

"Raising awareness of endometriosis has been a common request from our community since the Vagina Museum project began, and we’re thrilled to be teaming up with the Oxford research group to make this a reality."This Is Local London: The Vagina Museum first opened in Stables Market Camden before moving to temporary premises at Victoria Park Square and is now based in Poyser Street Bethnal GreenThe Vagina Museum first opened in Stables Market Camden before moving to temporary premises at Victoria Park Square and is now based in Poyser Street Bethnal Green (Image: The Vagina Museum)

Brian Mackenwells from the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics said: "From the first meeting, we have all been on the same page about the importance of this topic and the importance of amplifying the voices of the people with endometriosis that our researchers work with every day.

"We count ourselves extremely lucky to be able to work with an organisation as thoughtful and engaged as the Vagina Museum, and cannot wait for everyone to see the exhibition."

The museum's ground floor gallery gift shop and cafe will open on November 4 with the upper floor galleries closed until a disabled lift can be installed.

The Vagina Museum is at Arches 275-276 Poyser Street, London, E2.