Will you help by joining in on the conversations for awareness month?

One thing I'd like others to know: that endometriosis isn't just about menstruation. It affects our whole lives, not just one week a month.

Frustrating symptom: it's hard to choose between constant fatigue and constant pelvic pain.

I don't think endo gets enough awareness, although it's certainly better than it has been.

No, I don't receive the care & support I deserve by my healthcare provider.

I think healthcare providers especially need to take women's pain more seriously and not try to fob us off with "it's normal to have pain during menstruation" or treat us as if the pain and fatigue is all in our head.

Christina - team member

My most frustrating symptom... the random stabbing/shooting pains... Doesn't matter what I'm doing: walking, sitting down, laying down, whatever.. If I get a pain like that, it stops me dead in my tracks. And it almost always makes me cry because it's so terrible and ridiculously frustrating.

I honestly don't feel like endo gets enough awareness but, it is definitely more well know now. I was diagnosed in 2009. I had never heard of it and neither had anyone else. So, anytime I talked to anyone about what was going on and why I was in so much pain all the time, I had to explain what it was and answer ALL of the questions. But now, it's a lot better. I

As far as health care proveders... I absolutely love my PCP and OBGYN. They both genuinely care and know that what I'm going through sucks and they try their best to help me manage my symptoms. The best thing ever tho has been Mirena. It's a life saver for sure. I don't have periods often anymore and when I do, they are no where near as bad as they use to be. Before Mirena, I lost a job from excessive call ins because of my endo pain. Like, couldn't stand up straight, hurt to sit down, felt like I was being sliced open like a Thanksgiving turkey, pain. It was bad. Tried a number if things including surgery and nothing seemed to help long term... Except my iud.

@abuel428- yes! Those pains can be so frustrating. Especially when they decide to come out of no where. I definitely relate to that so much.

Yes! Endometriosis still has a long way to go of being well known, talked about and taken seriously. But it has definitely come a very long way even since my diagnosis in 2017!

That is so great to hear that you have a good group of doctors and that you have found a treatment that seems to help you!

Thank you so much for being here and sharing this with us. We hope you are having a pain free day and have a great week! -Kimberli (team member)