Endometriosis awareness month is observed every March, bringing together patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals to educate and support the millions of women and girls affected by this condition. According to WHO, endometriosis affects around 10% of women and girls globally — approximately 190 million people worldwide.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in patches in other places in the pelvic cavity and outside the uterus. Doctors often refer to these patches as implants, nodules, or lesions.
Endometriosis Awareness: Common Symptoms to Recognize
This condition often leads to symptoms such as:
- Painful periods
- Heavy periods
- Premenstrual spotting or bleeding between periods
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Painful bowel movements and/or urination
- Abdominal bloating and nausea
- Infertility issues
- Fatigue
It is important to note that endometriosis awareness extends beyond just knowing the symptoms. Many women live with this condition for years without realizing that what they are experiencing is not normal. If several of these symptoms sound familiar, speaking with a gynecologist is a critical first step toward getting the support and care you deserve.
Treatment Options and Challenges
As of now, there is no cure for endometriosis. However, we encourage women to meet with their doctors to discuss their symptoms and figure out what treatment plan can suit them better when it comes to controlling and managing their symptoms.
Not all treatments may work, and symptoms may return once someone stops their treatment or if time passes after a procedure such as surgery. Some women may even experience milder symptoms after menopause, but there is no way of knowing how much pain one will feel or what may trigger it.
Why Diagnosis Is So Difficult
Getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult for some. Feelings of pain are often confused for being a mild symptom of one’s menstrual cycle. Some women may have no symptoms at all. Surgery is currently the only way to confirm a diagnosis, known as a laparoscopy. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests such as ultrasounds or an MRI to locate nodules or cysts, but these will not help diagnose small lesions or adhesions.
Why More Research on Endometriosis Is Needed
Endometriosis awareness has grown significantly in recent years, yet the average time between a patient first experiencing symptoms and receiving a confirmed diagnosis remains between 7 and 10 years. This delay is partly due to the normalization of menstrual pain in many cultures and the fact that surgery is still required to confirm the condition. Greater investment in clinical research focused on endometriosis is essential to developing non invasive diagnostic tools and more effective long term treatments.
At FOMAT, we believe that conditions disproportionately affecting women deserve greater scientific attention and resources. Clinical trials focused on gynecological and inflammatory conditions are a key part of how we contribute to advancing women’s health research across California and beyond. If you or someone you know is living with endometriosis, speaking with a healthcare provider and exploring clinical research opportunities may open doors to new treatment options.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women worldwide and in different ways for each individual. Science and research have come a long way in learning more about this condition and it has led to many advancements in medical treatments. However, there needs to be more research to better understand the causes, risks, and to develop better treatments, methods of diagnosis, and possibly a cure.
In light of bringing endometriosis awareness to this condition that affects so many women and girls, we would also like to celebrate International Women’s Day this March 8th. Stay healthy, and remember to take the time to care for yourselves and your health.
Sources: nichd.nih.gov | who.int | internationalwomensday.com | cochrane.org