New York State Department of Health Recognizes March As Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis is a Painful Condition Affecting One in Ten Women in the U.S.

Increased Awareness can Lead to Earlier Diagnosis and Symptom Management

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 14, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes March as Endometriosis Awareness Month, which is observed each year to raise awareness about the condition that can cause severe pain and infertility. Endometriosis is associated with chronic, life-impacting pain that affects more than one in ten women and those with a uterus, typically between the ages of 15 and 44 years. Because symptoms vary, the disease is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether.

"Pain is one of the most common symptoms for people who are living with endometriosis. Unfortunately, concerns about menstrual pain are often dismissed, even in clinical settings," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We need to continue to raise awareness about this condition and its serious, lifelong impacts. Those who think they may have endometriosis should be taken seriously in the exam room and treated with compassionate care."

Endometriosis occurs when endometrium – a type of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus – grows outside the uterus, where it doesn't belong. These growths are not cancerous but can cause lifelong debilitating problems, leading to a decrease in quality of life. Endometriosis can also cause infertility issues.

Pain is the most common symptom for individuals living with endometriosis. This includes pain during menstrual cycles, during or after sex or while using the bathroom. In some cases, growths that develop outside of the uterus can form scar tissue and adhesions. Other symptoms include heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, infertility, depression and anxiety.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women's Health says in extreme cases, these growths can bind organs together, sometimes resulting in the need for surgery.

Black and Hispanic individuals also continue to be diagnosed at far lower rates than their White counterparts, as a result of systemic inequities in care.

Endometriosis does not show up on X-rays or other imaging, so the only way to know for sure if an individual has endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery. There is currently no way to prevent endometriosis, and there is no known cure.

Treatment for the condition is usually aimed at controlling or managing the symptoms. Treatments can range from medicine for pain management or hormone therapy to surgery to remove the tissue that is in the wrong place.

If an individual believes they have endometriosis, it's important they talk with their primary care or OB-GYN provider. Keeping a log of symptoms and when they occur can also be a helpful tool when having a discussion with a provider about endometriosis.