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Every girl has gone through the fifth grade video of what a period is and what it means for your body. However, a lot of the time, information about related diseases and disorders associated with reproductive health is left out. This results in a lifetime of misinformation or lack of information about reproductive health complications that impact millions of women each year.
Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disease that affects an estimated one in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that acts a lot like the lining of your uterus starts growing outside of your uterus, where it doesn’t belong. These out-of-place growths can cause severe pain and inflammation throughout the month. There is no known cure for endometriosis, but treatment options are available. The best way to get the most accurate treatment available is being specific about your symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you need help knowing how to communicate this with someone please look at this Discussion Guide for Your Next Appointment. This can help you start the conversation with your doctor. If you want to take the symptom quiz to help narrow what you are feeling, that can be found here: Symptom Quiz.
If you are suffering from Endometriosis, you are not the only one. I should know, each month since I was 15 has been a battle. Since so many women are affected, the outreach community is extensive. SpeakENDO is a campaign for women who want to learn more about Endometriosis, those trying to find out what may be causing their symptoms and women already diagnosed with endometriosis. SpeakENDO is sponsored by AbbVie. If you need to find local help through organizations and resources look here Endometriosis Organizations and Communities.
You are not alone. Speak up about what you are feeling. It’s important to speak up about your endometriosis symptoms. It can be hard to describe all of your symptoms at a doctor’s appointment, but your gynecologist might assume you’re not in pain if you don’t speak up. So, whether you’re currently on treatment or not, remember to speak up! Working together to educate others about endometriosis can help change the way the disease is understood.
Next time you are on your Instagram feed, scrolling through Twitter or laughing at puppy videos on Facebook, share a post about how you #SpeakENDO. Raise awareness. Educate. Share. Post. Stay informed.