More than 1 OUT OF every 10 women you know has ENDOMETRIOSIS. MANY OF THEM FEEL INVISIBLE.
It’s time to change that.
ENDOMETRIOSIS FAST FACTS
1 in 10
WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AFFECTED
10 years
AVERAGE TIME FOR DIAGNOSIS
200M+
WOMEN WORLDWIDE WITH THE DISEASE
15-44
AGE RANGE WITH MOST PREVALENCE
6.3 HOURS
AVERAGE PRODUCTIVITY LOST PER WEEK FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
$45.4B
LOST PER YEAR IN THE U.S. DUE TO ABSENTEEISM CAUSED BY THE DISEASE.
READ ABOUT ENDO ON THE BLOG
“Addressing endometriosis will empower those affected by it by supporting their human right to the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health, quality of life and overall well-being.”
— World Health Organization
“ENDOMETRIOSIS IS MORE THAN JUST HEAVY PERIODS FOR ME. IT'S LIVING IN A BODY THAT IS UNCOMFORTABLE MOST OF THE TIME AND UNBEARABLE IN IT'S WORST MOMENTS.” - BETH FULLER
“When thinking about how it's impacted my life, I think about the girl who ran up mountains on a weekend, climbed regularly and ran a half marathon before work one day because she could. I miss that girl and at the moment she feels unattainable but I know she's in there somewhere.
I think about having to leave my career as a teacher because the long hours and stress left me unable to walk up the stairs. I think about the enormous pay cuts I've taken and the tens of thousands I've spent trying to find answers and relief.”
Beth Fuller, Endo Warrior
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when tissue similar to the interior lining of the uterus, or endometrium, mistakenly migrates and implants in areas outside the uterus, primarily in the pelvic region.
These implants respond to monthly fluctuations of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) during the menstrual cycle.
During this cycle, estrogen can cause this out-of-place tissue to grow, often causing severe pain. These implants are endometriosis.
Endometriosis is not simply a "menstruation disease"; it is a disease that can affect the whole body.
The disease is widely associated with immune and hormonal disruptions.
Endometriosis symptoms are variable and broad, meaning that healthcare workers may not easily diagnose it.
There is currently no known way to prevent endometriosis and no cure.
Source: Endometriosis Foundation of America and World Health Organization.
“I want to end the stigma for everybody And speak up to advocate for people like me.“ -Lucy cross
Symptoms and Their Impact
As endometriosis grows, it causes inflammation, which can lead to adhesions, scarring, internal bleeding, bowel or urinary dysfunction, constipation, painful intercourse, or infertility.
The physical pain can be severe, which can lead to psychological distress.
Some individuals with endometriosis experience debilitating pain that prevents them from going to work or school.
The disease has significant social, public health and economic implications on those who suffer.
In many ways, it can have a debilitating effect on an individual's life.
Source: Endometriosis Foundation of America and World Health Organization.
“There needs to be more funding towards research on this neglected disease. We need the opportunity to get the medical treatment we need to treat this awful disease without having to go through years of mental, physical, and financial hardships.
By sharing my story, if I can help just one patient not have to go through what many of us have endured, it would be all worth it.
It’s time for future Endo Warriors to write a new story. ”
Lisa DiTota, Endo Warrior
“I wish I knew what this condition was sooner, as the diagnosis has in fact given me a piece of mind that there is something wrong, but I wish more could be done.”
Chloe Whitworth, Endo Warrior
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Care, Share
Causifi was founded with the motto “Care, Share, Change Lives”.
Why? Because public, frequent conversation incites change.
You can help in a few simple steps:
Care: Read the stories of Women with Endometriosis featured on Causifi and visit the resources linked throughout this page, to learn more about the disease.
Share: Share this content with friends and family, on social media, in groups you’re a part of and with colleagues.
Change Lives
Donate: to EndoFound (Endometriosis Foundation of America ) to help further their mission of increasing disease recognition, providing advocacy, facilitating expert surgical training, and funding landmark endometriosis research. With every gift to EndoFound, you advance cutting-edge endometriosis research, educate adolescents, advocate for endometriosis legislation, and promote widespread disease recognition and awareness.
Make a donation to EndoFound here.
Get Involved: In 2022, EndoFound launched the UpEndo Coalition to educate the public and Congress about the health implications of endometriosis and ensure policymakers are advancing research funding and other policy priorities. Learn more about their work and ways to get involved here.
Read the personal stories shared with us by women living with Endo.