Maybe you first heard about endometriosis because a loved one is living with the condition. Maybe you’re the one who is living with the symptoms day in and day out. No matter how you learned about the menstrual disorder, you probably have the basics down pat.  You know that endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body. You know it impacts as many as 200 million people worldwide and has certain trademark symptoms. But like most women’s health conditions, there’s more to it, which is regularly uncovered thanks...

For many of us, periods are already a struggle — cramps, bloating, and nonstop chocolate cravings included. But for those with endometriosis, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a relentless fight against debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, and symptoms that can turn daily life upside down. The silver lining? Birth control could be a game-changer for managing endo. By helping to ease symptoms and put you back in control of your body, hormonal contraception can make a real difference. Let’s dive into how it works and why it might be worth adding to your endo care routine....

updated Feb 10, 2025

Endometriosis is more than a narrowly defined menstrual disorder. It exists outside of someone’s period and has a range of symptoms beyond only pelvic pain. Anyone living with it will tell you that, more often than not, it’s defined by a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that are actually really, really related.  One symptom that often comes up in someone’s “Is this connected to endometriosis?” search is excessive hair loss.  In conversation with Dr. Ryniec, who focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she explained that the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with hair...

Although endometriosis is a condition that begins in the reproductive organs, there are cases where these painful tissue growths appear in the bowels, also known as our digestive system, causing a whole slew of additional health problems.  Here's the quick and dirty definition of endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, with this abnormal tissue often affecting the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. Symptoms include painful periods, pain during sex, excessive bleeding, and infertility.  But what happens when endometriosis spreads to the digestive system? In addition...

Endometriosis and cancer — two words you don’t want to see together. If you’re already dealing with the pain, frustration, and confusion that come with endometriosis, the last thing you need is another reason to stress out. The reality is that the relationship between these two health issues is complex, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's get to the truth and dive into this topic together, separating fact from fiction and arming ourselves with the knowledge we need. What exactly is endometriosis? Endometriosis can feel misunderstood. Many people only learn about it...

If you’re familiar with endometriosis, you already know it’s no picnic. Pain and infertility are the most common signs of this condition, which affects at least 7-15% of women worldwide. Aside from potential fertility issues, endometriosis can also cause severe menstrual cramps that extend into the abdomen or lower back, pain during or after sex, and heavy or irregular periods. Other symptoms include pain during urination or bowel movement, and stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, aka “endo belly.” So, what is endometriosis, exactly? Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the...

Imagine enduring years of unexplained pain, uncertainty, and frustration while searching for answers about your health. This is the reality for many women living with endometriosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide but often taking years to diagnose.  Traditionally, confirming endometriosis has required laparoscopic surgery — an invasive and daunting prospect. But what if getting answers didn’t have to mean going under the knife? Thanks to advancements in medical science, new non-surgical methods are offering hope and transforming the diagnostic journey for endometriosis. But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar (but not identical) to...

Endometriosis can be a real pain — literally. And getting a diagnosis? That process can be even worse! On average, receiving an official diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms. That’s way too long to live with pain and uncertainty about what’s going on with your body. The good news? The more you know about how endometriosis is diagnosed, the better you can advocate for yourself. So, we’re breaking it down — including what to expect during the process and even some surprising new testing options you need to know about. First, what...

Living with endometriosis can be tough — it’s a chronic condition that comes with physical pain, emotional strain, and constant unpredictability. But while it might feel like an endless uphill battle, many people with endometriosis find that certain self-care practices can make a real difference. With a mix of small lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, and support from others, it’s possible to create brighter, more manageable days. Let’s explore some realistic and practical self-care strategies to help you through.  8 Effective Self-Care Strategies for Managing Endo Symptoms 1. Understand and accept your condition First, let’s acknowledge...

If you have endometriosis (or suspected endometriosis), it’s completely normal to have concerns about your fertility and what options are available. For those exploring in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may even be wondering if an endometriosis diagnosis will impact your chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatment.  Unfortunately, the relationship between endometriosis and IVF success rates isn't always straightforward, and that can be incredibly frustrating. We’re here to break it down in a way that makes sense — including how endometriosis might affect your fertility journey and how to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy...