Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus (World Health Organization). When this tissue grows, the lesions that form on other organs can cause severe pelvic and back pain, as well as heavy or irregular menstrual periods, pain between periods and with intercourse, and other symptoms. Up to 50 percent of individuals with endometriosis experience infertility.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in ten women in the United States, and more than 200 million women worldwide. Two-thirds of people who have been diagnosed report experiencing symptoms as an adolescent (Society for Women’s Health Research), yet individuals often experience significant delays in diagnosis due to the dismissal of symptoms and societal stigma that surrounds women’s health and menstruation in particular. An individual may see an average of eight doctors over 10 years before they are diagnosed (Think Endo).
There is no cure for endometriosis. It is a chronic condition that can cause symptoms over the course of an individual’s life (Society for Women’s Health Research).
We’ve collected some of our go-to resources for endometriosis information and support below.
