5 Things Endometriosis Is and Is Not
By the Endometriosis Alliance
If you’re living with endometriosis — or wondering if you might be — you’re probably exhausted by all the confusion, misinformation, and brushed-off feelings.
You deserve clear, compassionate answers.
Let’s walk through five truths about what endometriosis is — and is not, together.
I hope this brings you a little more clarity, validation, and maybe even hope.
| Endometriosis IS… | Endometriosis IS NOT… |
| A whole-body inflammatory disease that can affect much more than the pelvis — including the bowels, bladder, diaphragm, and lungs. | Just “bad period pain” or a simple reproductive problem. Painful periods can be a symptom, but endometriosis is far more complex and systemic. |
| Tissue that resembles but is not identical to the uterine lining, growing outside the uterus where it doesn’t belong. | Actual uterine lining just “misplaced.” The tissue is biologically different, which is why endometriosis behaves in unpredictable ways. |
| A chronic, progressive condition that can worsen without proper diagnosis and treatment, sometimes affecting daily life profoundly. | Something that always disappears after pregnancy or menopause. Many people continue to have symptoms even after these milestones. |
| One of the leading causes of infertility, affecting up to half of those who struggle to conceive without a clear reason. | A guarantee of infertility. Many with endometriosis go on to have healthy pregnancies — naturally or with some extra support. |
| Best diagnosed and treated with expert laparoscopic excision surgery that removes lesions from their roots. | Reliably diagnosed by ultrasound or permanently “fixed” with birth control or hormonal suppression alone. These can help symptoms but don’t eliminate disease. |
A Personal Note:
Living with endometriosis can feel like carrying an invisible weight. You might look completely fine on the outside while feeling like your body is fighting against you every single day.
You are not imagining it. You are not weak. You are not alone.
Endometriosis is real, and you deserve doctors who listen, treatments that honor your goals (whether that’s living pain-free, growing your family, or reclaiming your life), and a care team that believes you.
If you’re still searching for answers — keep going.
There are people who specialize in this disease, who will take your pain seriously, and who will stand beside you as you heal.
You deserve nothing less.