March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

March Is Endometriosis Awareness Month

The Endometriosis Association began Endometriosis Awareness Month in 1993. It’s now observed worldwide through activities such as education, fundraising, and marches. To honor Endometriosis Awareness Month, the organization provides free, worldwide distribution of popular yellow ribbons and brochures.

Endometriosis, often referred to as “endo,” is a condition that happens when tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus, according to the Office on Women's Health. It can cause painful periods, pain during sex, irregular bleeding, digestive problems, infertility, and other symptoms, notes Mayo Clinic.

Endometriosis affects about 200 million women worldwide and about 1 out of every 10 women in the United States. Yet the disease is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, says the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound). Lack of education and public awareness is part of the reason that endometriosis goes undetected.

How to Spread Awareness About Endometriosis

Increasing awareness about endometriosis starts with you.

“The best way to spread the word about the disease is, in general, to talk about it,” says Seckin. “The time for stigma and taboo concerning menstruation is over. We need to come together and discuss women's health openly, because a painful period is not normal, and the sooner we shed this stigma, the sooner an endo patient can receive the treatment and support she deserves.”

Feel something, say something! If your last OBGYN check up was more than 1 year ago, Queen lets get this scheduled ASAP!