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.