17 Things Women With Endometriosis Are Tired Of Explaining

"You don't look sick." WELL, I AM.

1. Exactly what endometriosis is.

The CW

Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. It occurs when the endometrium tissue grows outside of the uterus on other organs or structures in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include: extremely painful cramps, chronic pain in back and pelvis, intestinal pain, infertility, fatigue, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

2. Why you don't "look sick."

Columbia Pictures

Just because you don't look ill doesn't mean that you aren't. Endometriosis is an internal illness and even though you can't see it on the outside...it's still very much there.

3. And of course, why you're sick again and again.

Screen Gems

Because it doesn't just GO AWAY.

4. Why "just taking Midol" doesn't work.

Sundance Selects

Because it's not a case of bad cramps, and it's different for everyone.

5. Why you can't just suck it up, take a Midol during your period, and keep working like everyone else.

Universal Pictures

Because your period is a literal week (or longer) from HELL.

6. Why you keep having the same surgery.

The CW

Because it doesn't cure you, it only removes lesions at the time of procedure. There's no telling if or when the lesions will return.

7. Why you've been on some form of contraceptive for years now.

NBC / Via reservationsatdorsia.tumblr.com

Nope, it’s actually not because I was promiscuous at age 14. Birth control helps keep the pain in check, so a life without it is a life that no one with endometriosis should have to live.

8. Why you don't want to have sex.

Orion Pictures

Because it hurts like hell.

9. That it's not just a "bad period."

VH1

Repeat after me: it's a health condition.

10. That it causes extreme emotional pain on top of physical pain.

Sony Pictures

Dealing with chronic pain every day is enough to cause anyone emotional pain. And not having your condition taken seriously? Even more reason.

11. Why you might be having trouble getting pregnant.

Universal Pictures

Endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility in women.

12. Why you no longer eat gluten or red meat.

Via kfashionista.com

Because if that means you feel better, it's damn worth it.

13. Why no one should ever say "it could be worse" to you again.

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Yeah it COULD be worse, but it isn't. And this is pretty damn bad how it is.

14. That the condition effects every woman differently.

The CW

"My sister had that and she was fine."

That's wonderful for her, truly, but that doesn't mean that I am fine.

15. That it's incredibly common in women, but that still doesn't mean people take it seriously.

FOX

"If so many women have it, why isn't it talked about more?"

That's a wonderful question.

16. That it's NOT in your head.

TNT

It's very, very real.

17. And that there isn't a cure.

New Line Cinema

...YET.

livingwithendometriosis.org