Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of a uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. During each menstrual cycle, a new endometrium is formed to prepare for a fertilized egg. In someone with endometriosis, this tissue builds up, becomes “sticky,” and can cause inflammation and extreme pain. This disease mostly affects reproductive organs and is commonly found in the pelvis or abdomen, Fallopian tubes, ligaments around the uterus, the pelvic cavity, ovaries, on the surface of the uterus, and spaces between them all. Less commonly, endometriosis can be found on your bladder, cervix, colon, intestines, rectum, stomach, vagina or vulva. In rare cases, endometriosis can be found on the diaphragm and lungs. Endometriosis has even been found on the brain, skin, and on an eyeball. There is no cure for endometriosis, and there is no way to prevent it.

The most common symptoms are heavy and prolonged periods, pain during or after sex, pain and malaise the week leading up to a period, and infertility. Other symptoms include fatigue, bloating from inflammation called “endo belly,” nausea, vomiting, pain with urination or bowel movements, irregular periods, nerve pain, and more! The amount of disease found does not correlate to the amount of pain a person is in. It is also possible to have very few symptoms with endometriosis, including a normal period. The only way to definitively determine a diagnosis of endometriosis is through a biopsy during surgery. Other methods to potentially view endometriosis is via ultrasound or MRI, though not often found. Cysts and fibroids are also common with endometriosis. Unfortunately, surgery does not always help pain, and repeat surgeries are often necessary as the tissue will return. The most commonly used and offered treatments are hormonal, like birth control pills, and over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These medications can help manage period length, bleeding and pain.