Endometriosis Awareness Month: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.

Yet despite how common it is, endometriosis is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. Many women are told their pain is “normal,” leading to years — sometimes decades — before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

At Together Women's Health, we believe women deserve to have their pain taken seriously. Education is the first step toward earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved quality of life.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths are commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and sometimes even the bladder or bowel.

Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes each month. However, because it has no way to exit the body, it can cause:

• Inflammation
• Scar tissue (adhesions)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful periods
• Fertility challenges

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, but with proper care, symptoms can be managed effectively.

The Symptoms: When to Pay Attention

Many women with endometriosis report symptoms starting in their teens or early 20s. The most common signs include:

• Severe menstrual cramps that worsen over time
• Pelvic pain outside of your period
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination during menstruation
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Fatigue, bloating, nausea, or digestive discomfort around your cycle

One important message: Pain that disrupts work, school, or daily activities is not something you should “push through.”

Why Diagnosis Can Take Years

On average, women experience a delay of 7–10 years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.

Why?

• Period pain is often normalized.
• Symptoms can overlap with other conditions like IBS or pelvic floor dysfunction.
• There is no simple blood test to diagnose endometriosis.

While ultrasound or MRI may identify certain types of endometriosis, the gold standard for diagnosis remains minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

At Together Women’s Health, our providers listen closely, evaluate symptoms comprehensively, and develop individualized care plans that may include imaging, medical therapy, or referral to surgical specialists when appropriate.

Endometriosis and Fertility

Up to 30–50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility.

Inflammation, scar tissue, and ovarian cysts (endometriomas) can affect egg quality, ovulation, and fallopian tube function. However, many women with endometriosis conceive successfully — either naturally or with support from fertility specialists.

If you have painful periods and are trying to conceive without success, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your OB-GYN.

Early evaluation can protect reproductive options.

Treatment Options: A Personalized Approach

Treatment depends on symptom severity, age, and future pregnancy goals.

Options may include:

Hormonal Therapy

• Birth control pills
• Progestin therapy
• Hormonal IUDs
• GnRH agonists or antagonists

These treatments help suppress the hormonal cycle that fuels endometriosis growth.

Pain Management

• NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications)
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Lifestyle strategies including nutrition and stress reduction

Surgical Treatment

For more severe cases, laparoscopic surgery can remove or destroy endometrial implants and scar tissue, often improving both pain and fertility outcomes.

The right plan is highly individualized — and may evolve over time.

Beyond Treatment: Whole-Person Care

Endometriosis doesn’t just affect physical health. Chronic pain can impact:

• Mental health
• Relationships
• Career productivity
• Quality of life

Compassionate care means acknowledging the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. Our providers prioritize open conversations, long-term management strategies, and supportive follow-up care.

When to Talk to Your OB-GYN

You should schedule an evaluation if:

• Your periods are progressively more painful.
• Over-the-counter medications no longer control your cramps.
• You miss work, school, or activities due to pain.
• You experience pain with intercourse.
• You are trying to conceive and have concerns about fertility.

You know your body best. If something feels different, worsening, or disruptive — it deserves attention.

Endometriosis Awareness Means Listening to Women

For too long, women have been told that severe period pain is “just part of being a woman.” It’s not.

Endometriosis Awareness Month is about validation, education, and empowering women to seek answers sooner.

At Together Women’s Health, we are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care at every stage of life — from adolescence through menopause.

If you’ve been living with pelvic pain, know this: you are not overreacting, and you are not alone.

Take the Next Step

➡️ Schedule a consultation with your OB-GYN to discuss your symptoms and explore your options. Early evaluation can change the trajectory of your health.