Ten Medical Myths: Endometriosis Facts vs. Fiction
Endometriosis is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions, not just by the public, but too often by the medical community itself. Myths and misinformation continue to delay diagnoses, minimize pain, and leave millions of women feeling dismissed, confused, and alone.
It’s time to set the record straight.
In this post, we’re busting the top 10 myths about endometriosis and revealing the facts every patient, loved one, and provider should know. Because when we replace fiction with truth, we make endo visible — and change lives in the process.
1. Periods are normally very heavy, very painful, or both
Although estimates suggest that more than half of all menstruating females experience some pain during periods, severe pain can sometimes indicate the presence of endometriosis. Periods can be heavy and painful with endometriosis, but it’s not always the case. Pain can show up in other areas, such as with bowel pain, urinary pain, ovulation pain, as well as pain in other areas of the body. Period bleeds can vary in volume — cycle lengths can also vary, with midcycle bleeding a potential symptom as well.
2. Pregnancy can cure endometriosis
Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis. Some women see improvements in symptoms during pregnancy, although others do not, and still others may see a worsening of symptoms. Again, there is no cure.
3. A hysterectomy can cure endometriosis
While a hysterectomy can relieve symptoms of endometriosis for many people, condition can recur after the surgery. Symptoms can also continue if there are endometrial lesions still present outside of the uterus. Endometriosis responds to estrogen, which is made by the ovaries. A hysterectomy typically removes the uterus versus the ovaries and therefore wouldn’t cure endometriosis
4. Endometriosis only affects the female reproductive organs
Endometriosis lesions are most commonly found in the pelvis and lower abdomen. However, they can develop anywhere in the body. Actually, most endometriosis does not affect the reproductive organs but implants on the inside of your abdomen on a surface called the peritoneum. That is what causes pain. But endometriosis can be found just about anywhere and has been seen in the lining of the lung and even in the brain, where it causes seizures when the woman has a period.
5. Endometriosis always causes pain
Study data suggest that more than 60% of females with an endometriosis diagnosis report chronic pelvic pain. Moreover, people with endometriosis are 13 times more likely to have abdominal pain than those without the condition. Still, despite pain being a common symptom, it is possible to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis even if a person is not experiencing any pain. In fact, it can often be discovered when a woman is unable to conceive. Some people with mild forms of endometriosis have excruciating pain, and some people with deep infiltrating endometriosis have little or no pain at all. Stage does not equal pain level.
6. Menopause stops endometriosis
For the same reason that a hysterectomy doesn’t always cure endometriosis, menopause may not cure it either. If endometriosis-related pain does not stop after menopause, it is best to consult a healthcare professional about pain management options.
7. Endometriosis equals infertility
Studies suggest that 30-50% of females with endometriosis also experience difficulty becoming pregnant. Still, despite statistics linking the condition to fertility challenges, endometriosis does not automatically mean a diagnosis of infertility.
8. Abortion causes endometriosis
Absolutely not. There is no association between abortion and endometriosis. This myth likely originated due to a abortion-related political debate but holds no truth whatsoever.
9. Birth control pills can cure endometriosis
Birth control pills do not cure endometriosis, they may help reduce symptoms due to suppression of ovulation and menses. Again, nothing cures endometriosis by leveling out certain hormones but they are often not a good treatment and are not tolerated by many. The only other medications used to treat the symptoms of endometriosis are various pain medications. Currently, the gold standard of treatment is excision surgery which cuts endometriosis implants out at the root vs ablation which only burns the top, leaving the disease to grow back with time. However, there are few surgeons qualified to perform nerve protecting excision surgery.
10. High estrogen levels cause endometriosis
The truth is that we don’t actually know what causes endometriosis. High estrogen levels have not been shown to cause endometriosis. However, estrogen-blocking medications can help relieve symptoms. A 2022 study suggested that immune system activity and chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of the condition.
Important Final Notes
Worldwide, 10% of females of reproductive age have the condition but while it is extremely rate, endometriosis in males can occur.
A delay in diagnosis, 7-10 yrs, is a significant barrier to treatment due to the varied symptoms and the fact that confirming an endometriosis diagnosis involves a laparoscopic surgery done under anesthesia to obtain confirmation via pathology.
Most importantly, there is no cure and potential treatments are often ineffective or antiquated.
REFERENCES
To help separate fact from fiction, Dr. Barbara Stegmann, clinical lead was interviewed, Woman’s Health at Organon and OB-GYN, and Carly King, N.D., licensed naturopathic doctor at Entrepreneur and The Health Centre Integrative Therapies. Additionally, recent peer-reviewed research to reveal the science-backed truths about endometriosis was reviewed.
How To Advocate For Yourself In Medical Situations Guide
For women living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or chronic pain — this is your reminder: You are not “too sensitive,” “exaggerating/dramatic,” or “just hormonal.” Your pain is real. Your symptoms matter. You deserve answers.
You shouldn’t have to prepare for a doctor’s appointment, urgent care or the hospital as if it’s a courtroom but until we achieve the recognition we deserve, this guide can help ensure we don’t continue to experience the dismissal, gaslighting and trauma we have in the past.
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NEW BOOK RELEASE
We’re thrilled to announce that our founder Katya Karlova’s debut book “Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” is now available for pre-order!
Visit InvisiblePainUnstoppablePower.com to reserve your copy of her book and be part of a movement to make invisible illnesses impossible to ignore.
About The Book
“Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” takes you through Katya Karlova’s courageous journey through the depths of body dysmorphia, chronic pain, and endometriosis—a path defined by invisible struggles that impacted every aspect of her life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Katya shares the painful battles that shaped her, offering readers a window into the often unseen realities of living with these challenges.
However, this book is more than just a story of struggle. It is a powerful guide that shows you how to rise above adversity. Through Katya’s own transformation, she reveals the tools and strategies that helped her persevere, heal, and ultimately create the life she had once thought impossible. Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power provides actionable insights on how to navigate health challenges, reclaim your power, and build a life that aligns with your deepest desires.
Katya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. Her story will inspire anyone facing their own struggles, encouraging them to rise above their pain, embrace their truth, and create the life their heart truly desires.
This book isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It is a call to anyone who feels trapped by their own invisible battles to reclaim their strength, transform their reality, and unlock the unstoppable power within.
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Endo Unfiltered
Endo Unfiltered is the official blog of the Endo-Visible Foundation and is a space for honest conversations about life with endometriosis. Here, we share personal stories, helpful resources, and updates from the Endo-Visible Foundation — all with the goal of raising awareness, breaking the stigma, building community, and making endo visible.
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