Endometriosis is incredibly painful. I don’t live with it but have friends who do and the pain they experience is hard to even witness third-person.

What is it?

Endo is a condition where the material that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterus. Usually, it seems to stay on the uterus, but it can affect other organs as well. This can create cysts, lesions, and scar tissue that has to be removed.

Pain increases with menstruation, bathrooming, and sexual activity.

Fertility is affected as well. Eggs may not be able to be released from the ovaries, may not be able to travel down the fallopian tubes, and may not be able to attach themselves to the uterine wall.

Treatments that address pain control, hormone therapy such as birth control pills, surgery, and hysterectomy may all be needed.

Where can I learn more?

If you’d like to learn more about what endo feels like, please check out my pal Abby Norman. She has been featured by Glamour Magazine, Huffington Post, Seventeen, Forbes, The Atlantic, Bustle, and more. and has presented at conferences such at MedX and the Endometriosis Foundation of America Medical Conference.

In addition to being an excellent writer, she runs Ask Me About My Uterus. AMAMU discusses issues related to endo, miscarriage, birth control, menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, and more.

The Endometriosis Foundation of America is another great resource.