Endometriosis is a common yet often misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory disease associated with pain and infertility.. Never heard of endometriosis? You’re not alone. Despite it being a painful condition, it can take, on average 7 - 8 years to get a correct diagnosis.  March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and given the often debilitating pain this condition can cause — and how hard it can be for people in pain to be HEARD by medical professionals — we think it’s really important for everyone to be aware of it. If you know someone who experiences excessive pain during their period, please share this episode. And if that person is you, please continue to advocate for yourself and your health care — find a doctor who will listen and conduct the necessary tests.  In this episode you’ll hear: [0:00] What is endometriosis, and how common is it? [3:38] What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed? [7:23] What is the connection between hormonal contraception and endometriosis? [10:02] Signals that endometriosis may be present [14:46] The importance of advocating for yourself  Resources mentioned:  American Society of Reproductive Medicine:  www.asrm.org/news-and-events/asrm-news/latest-news/resource-roundup-endometriosis American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis National Institutes of Health: medlineplus.gov/endometriosis.html Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books