What is Endometriosis?
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis or “endo” is a common women’s health issue when the tissue similar to the uterus’ tissue grows outside of the uterus and other areas of your body where it doesn’t belong. It can affect more than 11% of women in the United States between 15 and 44. That’s 6.5 million women! Endometriosis is typically found on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, on the tissues that hold your uterus in place, and the outer surface of your uterus, vagina, cervix, or bladder. You are more likely to get endometriosis if you have: never had children, menstrual periods that last longer than a week, short menstrual cycles (27 days or shorter), a family member that has endometriosis since it is genetic, high estrogen levels, or a health problem that blocks the normal flow of menstrual blood during your period. The endo growths growing outside of your uterus where they don’t belong can swell and bleed similar to period bleeding. This continues to build up and bleed in areas wh...