National Endometriosis Awareness Month, observed in March and sponsored by the Endometriosis Association, raises awareness about a disease that affects an estimated 176 million women around the world. Statistics show that endometriosis affects five million women in the United States and is most common among women in their thirties and forties.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month and the Endometriosis Association educate women and men about endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It can grow on the ovaries, behind the uterus or on the bowels or bladder. This “misplaced” tissue can cause pain, infertility, and very heavy periods. The pain usually occurs in the abdomen, lower back or pelvic areas. Endometriosis growths bleed in the same way the lining inside of the uterus does every month, similar to what happens during one’s menstrual period. This can cause swelling and pain because the tissue grows and bleeds in an area where it cannot easily exit the body. #endomarch