March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

1 in 10 Women.
Millions Unheard.

Endometriosis affects 190 million people worldwide — yet the average diagnosis takes 7 years. It's time to change that.

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Understanding the Condition

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — causing inflammation, scarring, and severe pain.

It is not just "bad periods." It's a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and nervous system. It impacts physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, careers, and fertility.

Endometriosis has been found in every organ of the body. It is not limited to the reproductive system.
Recognize the Signs

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely, but pain that disrupts your daily life is never normal.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or back, often worsening during menstruation but present at any time.

Debilitating Periods

Severe cramps that go far beyond typical discomfort — often unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relief.

Fatigue & Brain Fog

Chronic exhaustion and difficulty concentrating that persists regardless of rest or sleep quality.

Infertility

Up to 50% of those with endometriosis face difficulty conceiving — one of the leading causes of infertility.

7–10yrs

Average time to diagnosis

$80B+

Annual global economic cost

~$36

NIH funding per patient
vs. $2,000+ for diabetes

176M

People affected worldwide

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The Path to Answers

Getting Diagnosed

For most, the hardest part isn't the disease — it's being believed.

1

Recognizing the Pain

The critical first step is understanding that your pain is not normal. Many are taught to dismiss severe symptoms as "just part of being a woman."

2

Clinical Evaluation

A healthcare provider reviews your history, performs exams, and may order imaging — but ultrasound and MRI cannot detect all forms of the disease.

3

Surgical Confirmation

The gold standard is laparoscopic surgery — a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon visually confirms and biopsies endometrial implants.

Trust yourself

If you feel dismissed, seek a second opinion. You are the expert on your own body. Consider finding an endometriosis excision specialist.

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Real Voices

You're Not Alone

"I was told for 12 years that my pain was normal. Getting diagnosed was the first time someone said: 'I believe you.'"
S
Sarah, 34Diagnosed after 12 years
"Finding the right surgeon and the right community gave me my life back. I want every person with endo to know — it doesn't have to be this way."
M
Maya, 31Excision surgery advocate
"The hardest part is the invisibility. Looking 'fine' while your body is at war with itself. Awareness means making the invisible visible."
J
Jordan, 28Endo warrior & advocate
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There Is Hope

Treatment Options

There is no cure yet — but the right care can transform quality of life.

Pain Management & Hormonal Therapy

From NSAIDs and prescription medications to hormonal IUDs and oral contraceptives — managing symptoms while finding the right long-term plan.

Gold Standard

Excision Surgery

Laparoscopic excision by a specialist removes disease at the root — offering the highest long-term success rates while preserving organs.

Complementary Care

Pelvic floor therapy, anti-inflammatory nutrition, acupuncture, and mental health support — a whole-person approach to healing.

What People Get Wrong

Myths vs. Reality

Myth

"It's just bad periods."

Endometriosis is a full-body inflammatory disease affecting the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and nervous system — far beyond menstruation.

Myth

"A hysterectomy is a cure."

Removing the uterus doesn't remove implants elsewhere. Up to 40% who have a hysterectomy for endo continue to have symptoms.

Myth

"If tests are normal, you're fine."

Endo often doesn't show on blood tests or standard imaging. Normal results don't mean nothing is wrong — many need surgical confirmation.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Find Support & Resources

Whether you've just started asking questions or you've been fighting for years — these communities and organizations are here for you.

Endometriosis Foundation of America

Leading research funding, education, and the ENPOWR Project for youth awareness. The largest organization dedicated to endo.

Visit endofound.org

Nancy's Nook

The go-to resource for finding vetted endometriosis excision specialists worldwide. Education-focused and patient-trusted.

Visit nancysnookendo.com

Endometriosis.org

International evidence-based information, news, and support. A trusted starting point for patients and professionals alike.

Visit endometriosis.org

The Endo Coalition

Patient-led advocacy for better policy, funding, and healthcare access.

theendocoalition.org

WHO Fact Sheet

Global statistics and clinical information from the World Health Organization.

who.int

Endometriosis Association

Research, support groups, and crisis call support since 1980.

endometriosisassn.org
Make a Difference

What You Can Do Today

Spread Awareness

Share this page. Talk about endometriosis. Use #EndoAwareness. Breaking the silence is the first step toward change.

Believe Someone

If someone you know has endo, believe them. Sometimes just saying "I believe you" changes everything.

Support the Cause

Donate to research. Contact your representatives. Push for endo education in medical schools. Demand better.

No one should wait years to be believed.

Share this page and help someone find the answers they deserve.