Our mission is to increase endometriosis awareness, fund landmark research, provide advocacy and support for patients, and educate the public and medical community.
Founders: Padma Lakshmi, Tamer Seckin, MD
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Information for Teens

What is endometriosis?

  • A very damaging disease of the female reproductive system
  • Happens when part of the uterus lining is found outside of the uterus
  • Those areas become swollen, bleed, and cause pain


Who has endometriosis?

  • Women and girls old enough to have a child can have endometriosis
  • About 1 out of every 10 women in the United States, and 176 million women worldwide live with endometriosis


How do I know if I have endometriosis?


  • Endometriosis can look like other diseases, causing doctors to miss it over and over
  • Common signs include:
    • "Killer cramps"
    • Long or heavy menstruation
    • Constant pain in the lower back and stomach
    • Pain during sexual activity
    • Inability to get pregnant and pregnancy loss
    • Problems and pain when going to the bathroom
  • A doctor must test cells in a lab to determine if someone has endometriosis


How can I treat endometriosis?


  • There is no cure for endometriosis, but it is treatable
  • Laparoscopic excision surgery is the best treatment for endometriosis
  • Birth control, change in diet, and exercise can help improve the pain


Why is it so important that more people know about endometriosis?


  • Endometriosis causes girls to miss out on school, work, and social activities
  • Endometriosis drains patients, as well as their family and friends- physically, emotionally, and financially
  • Early detection and early intervention are important for the best outcomes
  • It normally takes 10 years for girls to find out they have endometriosis
  • There are still many unanswered questions


Where can I learn more about endometriosis?


  • Speak with your teacher, parent, counselor, or doctor


What can I do?

  • Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms endometriosis
  • Share your knowledge with your friends and families
  • Direct your friends and family to the tools linked here.