Endometriosis Awareness Month – You Are Not Alone
For too long, women suffering from chronic pelvic pain and debilitating symptoms have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told that their pain is simply "part of being a woman." Endometriosis Awareness Month is a time to break the silence, spread education, and empower those living with endometriosis to find real answers and compassionate care.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, scarring, and complications such as infertility. Despite affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women, it often takes years to receive a proper diagnosis.
Endometriosis Can Begin Early – Even in Your Teens
One of the most damaging myths about endometriosis is that it only affects adult women. The reality is teenagers can have endometriosis too—sometimes even before their first period.
“The youngest patient I have personally treated for endometriosis was just 13 years old. Many of my teenage patients were told their severe cramps were ‘normal’ or that they would ‘grow out of it.’ They were not taken seriously until years later, when their pain became unbearable, or they started experiencing fertility issues.” – Dr. Spring-Robinson
If you are a teen (or the parent of a teen) experiencing extreme period pain, pelvic discomfort, or other unexplained symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early intervention can help prevent years of suffering and delayed diagnosis.
Common Myths & Facts About Endometriosis
Myth: Endometriosis is just bad period cramps.
Fact: Endometriosis can cause severe pelvic pain, pain with sex, bowel/bladder issues, and even impact fertility.
Myth: Pregnancy or hysterectomy will cure endometriosis.
Fact: While pregnancy and hormonal suppression may temporarily alleviate symptoms, they do not remove endometriosis lesions. Excision surgery is the gold standard treatment.
Myth: If your ultrasound is normal, you don’t have endometriosis.
Fact: Endometriosis does not always show up on imaging, making clinical evaluation and specialist care crucial.
Myth: If you don’t have severe pain, you don’t have endometriosis.
Fact: Some women have “silent endometriosis”—meaning no obvious pain but unexplained infertility or mild symptoms that progress over time.
Myth: If your period pain was manageable on birth control, you don’t have endo.
Fact: Many women don’t realize they have endometriosis because birth control suppresses symptoms. When they stop hormonal contraception—either to conceive or for other reasons—they suddenly experience severe pain they never had before.
Why Many Women Go Years Without a Diagnosis
Many patients report being dismissed by their doctors, told their pain is normal, or misdiagnosed with conditions like IBS, interstitial cystitis, or anxiety. Some are even advised that they are "too young" to have endometriosis or that symptoms will resolve after childbirth.
Finding the Right Specialist Matters
Dr. Chandra Spring-Robinson, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at United Medical Doctors, is an expert in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. She takes a patient-first approach, ensuring every woman feels heard, validated, and given a clear path forward.
"So many of my patients tell me that this is the first time they’ve truly felt listened to. I want every woman to know that your pain is real, and there are answers out there." – Dr. Spring-Robinson
What to Do If You Suspect Endometriosis
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek an evaluation:
Severe menstrual cramps that interfere with daily life
Chronic pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination
Heavy or irregular periods
Bloating, nausea, or fatigue
Difficulty conceiving (even without other symptoms)
Pain that worsened after stopping birth control
Severe cramps as a teenager that were dismissed as ‘normal’
Next Steps:
Schedule an appointment – A thorough evaluation by a specialist is the first step to relief.
Educate yourself – Understanding your body and advocating for your care is crucial.
Seek support – You are not alone. Connect with others and access the right resources.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
This Endometriosis Awareness Month, we encourage you to share this information with friends, family, and anyone who may be suffering in silence.
Now Accepting Appointments: Call (858) 868-7109 to schedule a consultation.
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