For years, I brushed off monthly discomfort, assuming it was just part of life as a woman. Doctors had conditioned me to accept it. I repeatedly sought help, saying my periods were unbearable, but the response was always, “That’s normal for a woman your age.”

However, after my third child and a renewed focus on my health, I started questioning if my pain was normal at all. Each month, I struggled with intense agony, needing excessive pain relief, and found myself thinking I’d rather endure childbirth again than experience what was happening every few weeks. This couldn’t be “normal.”

When the pain became constant and intolerable, it was finally time to dig deeper.

Understanding the Signs of Endometriosis

The Pain I Couldn’t Ignore

It started with painful periods, which I initially attributed to postpartum changes or even perimenopause. But as the pain worsened, I decided to try an IUD to manage it—a choice I quickly regretted. Within a few months, I felt torn apart from the inside, and my doctor recommended I wait a week for a sonogram. I declined and had the IUD removed immediately. Though the sonogram showed nothing, the pain subsided, leaving me frustrated and without answers for the agony I knew would return.

“It’s All in Your Head”

Months passed with no diagnosis, and the pain affected my marriage, mental health, and ability to parent. After a stressful home remodel, convinced I had an infection, I went back to my doctor. During a pelvic exam, the pain was so severe that my doctor ordered a hysterosonogram—a thorough but painful procedure. The test revealed a polyp, considered common for “women my age.”

When my doctor suggested removing the polyp and trying another IUD, I reached my breaking point. I was done with solutions that didn’t work. I needed a new approach.

That was when things shifted. After a closer examination, my doctor mentioned something unexpected—she suspected endometriosis.

Connecting the Dots

Endometriosis? I’d heard the term in passing but never thought it applied to me. I had three beautiful children, and my fertility had not been affected—unlike the common perception of endometriosis as a condition that impacts fertility.

Finally, I saw the renowned endometriosis specialist, Dr. Camran Nezhat, who is the inventor and pioneer of modern minimally invasive and robotic surgery, who told me, “This pain is not in your head.” For the first time, I felt hopeful. I took the free Nezhat Endometriosis Risk Advisor online endometriosis quiz and scored an 85–90% match. Dr. Nezhat confirmed that surgery was a favorable option, as it would help with my pain and address other health concerns.

Endometriosis Awareness 

As we traveled through Australia before my surgery, I noticed endometriosis awareness campaigns everywhere. This is after an awareness campaign in March every year by www.Endomarch.org. I learned that doctors like Dr. Jason Abbott are helping elevate awareness about endometriosis there, reminding me that my pain wasn’t “normal.” Some of the statistics shared included:

  • Endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally. (Source: WHO)
  • Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women—a similar number to those affected by diabetes. (Source: UK.Org)
  • Average diagnosis of endometriosis takes an average of 7 years (Source: University of York)

What Exactly Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (but not actual endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other areas like the abdominal cavity, bladder, or colon, leading to severe pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation. Unlike typical uterine lining that sheds during menstruation, this tissue has no exit route, causing painful adhesions and cysts.

Dr. Nezhat explained that even minimal amounts of this tissue can cause significant pain and infertility, though the severity and symptoms vary widely among individuals.

Though there’s no cure for endometriosis, treatments like hormonal therapy, pain management, and surgery can help manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for quality of life and fertility preservation.

Taking Action Against Endometriosis Later in Life

Scheduling surgery felt like reclaiming control over my health. The diagnosis brought relief, clarity, and empowerment. My surgery uncovered endometriosis on my colon, back, and bladder. Dr. Nezhat reassured me that my pain wasn’t “in my head.”

In addition to excising the endometriosis, my appendix and fallopian tubes were removed to reduce cancer risks. I also underwent an endometrial ablation to manage future pain and bleeding.

My Endometriosis Prognosis Now

This journey is ongoing. I’m learning what works best for my body and prioritizing my well-being. I’ll have annual check-ups to monitor my pain and symptoms. Endometriosis may have been an invisible struggle, but I won’t stay silent any longer. To any woman reading this: trust your body, advocate for your health, and don’t let anyone diminish your pain. You deserve answers and relief.

Resources for Support and Information

For anyone seeking more information or support, resources like EndoMarch and AGCES offer valuable insights on endometriosis and are committed to raising awareness and supporting those affected. Remember, even a minimal amount of endometriosis can cause pain and infertility, and no one should endure this alone.