Endometriosis is a disorder that causes the tissue found in the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. The tissue is often found on the ovaries, on the intestines, bladder and fallopian tubes.

There are many things women and doctors can ignore when talking about their health. Pain with periods is often looked at as a part of life. If it gets brushed off the underlying problem may go undiagnosed for years.

1. It can cause pain for years and be a life-long chronic condition.Many women struggle with this condition even after menopause.
2. There is no complete cure. There are many different treatment options, but none of them guarantee a cure.
3. Pregnancy is not a real treatment. While many women experience relief from their symptoms during and after pregnancy, it is not a prescribed treatment. Speak to your doctor about your options.
4. The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There are theories, but there is no conclusive cause.
5. Excessive bleeding is a real symptom. Along with irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding is extremely common in women with endometriosis. Always tell your doctor if there are any changes in your cycle.
6. An official diagnosis requires a laparoscopic surgery. Neither the physical exams or symptoms can definitively diagnose this condition. *Sometimes, this surgery is also done to determine a cause for infertility and endometriosis is discovered as a cause.
7. You can experience cramping weeks before your period starts. This is a tell-tale symptom your doctor should know about when determining your treatment.
8. Having pain/cramping during or after sex is something you have to talk about. It is not exclusive to women with endometriosis and can be a sign of other serious conditions.
9. Hysterectomies are also not a cure. While they are done as a last resort in extreme cases, there is, no guarantee that there will be complete relief from symptoms after.
10. Pain, in any part of your period, is not normal. While cramping comes with the territory of having a period, extreme or even moderate pain is not normal. Many people confuse pain with cramping, and it goes ignored because it is considered something a woman has to deal with.

Periods are uncomfortable for a lot of women and we are used to not complaining about it. Doctors have brushed this off for a long time leaving many women untreated and in pain. Always speak with your doctor about any symptoms you are having. Expressing pain and discomfort about your period should not be taboo, it’s a natural part of life.