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Endometriosis, or “endo” for short, is a condition that happens when tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus, according to the Office on Women s Health. (1) It can cause painful periods, pain during sex, irregular bleeding, digestive problems, infertility, and other symptoms, notes the Mayo Clinic. (2)
Endometriosis affects about 200 million women worldwide and about 1 out of every 10 women in the United States. Yet the disease is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, says the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound). (3) Lack of education and awareness is a big reason endometriosis goes undetected.