One out of 10 women suffer from endometriosis.
This common but under researched disease affects the uterus, and causes the endometrial lining, which normally grows inside the uterus, to develop and grow outside, sometimes sticking to other organs.
The most common symptoms include pain during menstruation, including severe menstrual cramps, back pain, irregular periods and even fertility issues.
While endometriosis is treatable, there is no cure, and the only way to get diagnosed — and to remove the tissue — is through an invasive laparoscopy performed by experts. On average, it can take eight to 10 years to get diagnosed, and the lack of a cure and limited treatments led to the month of March being designated Endometriosis Awareness Month.