For years, endometriosis has been one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in women’s health. But lately, it’s been everywhere! From social media to celebrity health stories to groundbreaking research, more people are finally talking about endo and that’s a big deal. But what exactly is it, and why does it take an average of 7 to 10 years to get diagnosed? Let’s dive in.
What Is Endometriosis, and Why Is It So Hard to Diagnose?
Endometriosis (or “endo” for short) happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even other organs. This tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining does, meaning it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. The problem? There’s nowhere for that blood to go, causing inflammation, scarring, and intense pain.
Despite affecting roughly 1 in 10 people with uteruses, endo is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Symptoms like heavy periods, debilitating cramps, and pain during sex are often dismissed as “just bad periods.” And since the gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery, many people go years (even decades!) without answers.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Endo Now?
It’s not just your feed, endo awareness is on the rise, thanks to:
- Celebrities speaking out: Public figures like Lena Dunham, Padma Lakshmi, and Halsey have shared their struggles with endo, helping to push the conversation forward.
- Medical advancements: Researchers are working on non-invasive diagnostic tools (hello, blood tests and imaging studies!), which could lead to earlier detection.
- A shift in reproductive health awareness: With more people prioritizing cycle health and fertility, there’s a bigger push for recognizing and treating conditions like endo.
How Does Endo Affect Fertility?
One of the biggest concerns for people with endo is its impact on fertility. Endometriosis can:
- Cause inflammation that affects egg quality and implantation.
- Lead to scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes.
- Disrupt ovulation and hormone balance.
That doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible, it just means getting an early diagnosis and understanding your cycle is key. Tracking ovulation with tools like Ovry’s at-home ovulation tests can help give you a clearer picture of your fertile window, whether you’re trying to conceive now or just want to understand your cycle better.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Endo
If you’re experiencing severe period pain, heavy bleeding, or unexplained fertility struggles, trust your instincts. You deserve to be heard. Here’s what you can do:
- Track your symptoms: Keep a log of your pain levels, period flow, and any other unusual symptoms.
- Advocate for yourself: If your concerns are dismissed, don’t be afraid to seek a second (or third) opinion.
- Explore hormone & fertility testing: Understanding the state of your reproductive hormones and overall fertility can help you make educated decisions about your future family if that's a priority for you. Twig Fertility has a Fertility Check which is a great place to start for testing.
- Look into fertility-friendly tools: If you’re TTC, ovulation and pregnancy tests can help you better understand your cycle.
The Bottom Line
Endometriosis awareness is long overdue, and while we still have a way to go, the conversation is shifting in the right direction. Whether you’re navigating endo yourself or just want to support those who are, knowledge is power. And when it comes to reproductive health, you deserve answers, not just assumptions.