Endometriosis was medically described as early as 1690, yet I do not recall ever hearing the word until I was well into my twenties. For a condition that affects an estimated one in ten women, its absence from everyday conversation is almost as striking as the condition itself. Generations grew up believing debilitating periods were simply normal, and that missing school or work was a personal failing rather than a medical warning sign.
I first heard about endometriosis because I have polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, another condition that is not always easy to diagnose. At one point, doctors even considered whether endometriosis might explain my symptoms. To be honest, I still do not know for sure, and PCOS continues to be a trial for me and for millions of other women.
It is a reminder of how often women’s health concerns are minimized, delayed, or left unexplained, even when the symptoms are real and disruptive.
Despite centuries of medical documentation, endometriosis remains one of the most under-recognized health conditions worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 190 million people live with it. Diagnosis often takes years. Symptoms are frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or overlooked, especially in rural areas where specialist access is limited and menstrual pain is still treated as something to endure quietly.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, responding to hormones and causing inflammation, scarring, and sometimes severe pain. It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, but has also been found in the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and, in rare cases, the lungs.
Symptoms vary widely. Some people experience chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, painful intercourse, or digestive issues. Others have no pain at all. For many, the condition is first discovered during fertility evaluations.
There is no simple test. Laparoscopy remains the only definitive diagnostic method, although many cases are identified based on symptoms alone. The delay between first symptoms and diagnosis can stretch from four to twelve years, shaped by stigma, lack of awareness, and the tendency to normalize pain that should not be considered normal.
Though there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through medication, hormonal treatments, surgery, and multidisciplinary pain care. What experts emphasize most is that severe menstrual pain is not something to ignore. Awareness is often the first step toward getting answers.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is a reminder that the more openly we talk about it, the fewer people will spend years wondering why their pain was ever considered ordinary. For many people, simply hearing that severe menstrual pain is not normal can be the first step toward seeking answers.
If you have questions about symptoms or diagnosis, review‑ ing information from reputable medical organizations is a good place to start. These sites offer clear, accessible overviews:
• World Health Organization (WHO): who.int/healthtopics/endometriosis
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): acog.org/womens-health/ faqs/endometriosis
• Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): womenshealth.gov/a-ztopics/endometriosis
• Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/ endometriosis
For anyone concerned about their own health, speaking with a qualified medical professional is the best way to get guidance based on personal medical his‑ tory and individual symptoms.
