Good Things: Endometriosis Awareness Month

by Brandi Lytle
Photo of a white and yellow flower on Good Things: Endometriosis Awareness Month on Infertility/Childless Blog on Not So Mommy...

Photo of the Yellow Ribbon which shows support of Endometriosis Awareness Month on Not So Mommy..., a childless blog

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.  One in ten women, or an estimated 176 million women worldwide, suffer from this chronic illness for which there is no cure.  I am 1 in 10.

I was not diagnosed with endometriosis until age 29.  My husband and I were unable to get pregnant after two years of trying and using a fertility monitor for months.  Because my ob-gyn found nothing wrong after running several tests, she suggested that we see a fertility specialist.  He was the first person to suggest that I might have endometriosis, a disease that I had never even heard of.

My story is not uncommon.  It takes an average of ten years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis.  Even after diagnosis, there is little help with understanding this illness.  In fact, only since seeing Instagram posts from fellow endo sisters such as Endo Tough have I learned about the various issues involved with this disease.  Until now, I believed endometriosis caused me pain each month and was the reason for my infertility, but no one had ever told me it could also cause depression, fatigue, stomach problems, and more.

And that is why I think Endometriosis Awareness Month is a good thing.  Without a concerted effort, this often misdiagnosed and misunderstood illness will never receive the attention it deserves so that we can find a cure.

Because women like me who suffer from this disease look fine.  Because cramps, fatigue, and sadness are often attributed to PMS, many believe endo sufferers are being over-dramatic or that the pain is simply in their head.  But the pain, the tired, the “I don’t feel good, but I don’t know why” is real.  And it is due to the fact that we are ill.

And there is no cure for this illness.  Not pregnancy.  Not a hysterectomy.  Not surgery.  Not medicine.  There is no cure.

So, will you join this good thing and take part in Endometriosis Awareness Month with me?  I will post Endo Facts on Facebook and Instagram throughout the month.  Your likes, shares, and comments will help make others aware of this disease.  Also, I encourage you to participate in the #1in10 Endo Challenge sponsored by The Endometriosis Coalition.  Take a black and white photo of yourself holding a sign stating, “I am 1 in 10” or “My wife/mom/sister/friend is 1 in 10.”

Let’s break the silence and put a face to endometriosis!

Learn more about endometriosis here

Photo of a social media poster with the caption "Don't Hide Yourself" on Good Things: Endometriosis Awareness Month on Infertility/Childless Blog on Not So Mommy...

Photo of Brandi Lytle, founder of Not So Mommy..., with the caption "I am #1in10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Photo:  Jeremy Bishop of StockSnap.io

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