Endometriosis is more than just experiencing painful periods: For those suffering, it’s a complicated chronic disease that influences every aspect of their life. Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and girls worldwide and it takes an average of 7.5 years to even be diagnosed.
Jessica Murnane is one of the 190 million women living with endometriosis. Ever since she started menstruating, she’s experienced symptoms such as urinary and gastrointestinal issues. For years, she’s visited numerous physicians, just to be told that her symptoms were her own fault. It wasn’t until about 16 years ago when she was 28 that she was officially diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis. Living with endometriosis, Murnane experiences pain and flare-ups on a daily basis.