March is the month of Endometriosis Awareness around the globe. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that forms the lining of an uterus grows outside of uterine cavity. The lining of an uterus is called the endometrium. In most cases, endometriosis involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining pelvis. Endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs in rare cases.

The hormonal changes of a menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue, causing the area to become inflamed and painful. Consequently, the tissue grows, thickens, and breaks down. 

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods. Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
• Pain during sex. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
• Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding. Occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods.
• Infertility. In some cases, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
• Other symptoms. You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Unfortunately, main causes of endometriosis are not known. However, genetic factors, surgery, immune system disorders and other diseases can trigger endometriosis. 

You might encounter the following myths about endometriosis: 

• You can only get it in your pelvis.
• You can't have endometriosis if you've had a hysterectomy.
• You don't need to be diagnosed.\
• Wearing tampons causes endometriosis.
• It's caused by an infection, like an STD, which can be treated by antibiotics.

Even though there is no cure for endometriosis, its symptoms can be well managed. Endometriosis is not a cancer and is rarely life threatening.