Medically reviewed by Julia Keltz, MD

Living with chronic pelvic or hip pain can be debilitating. For women, endometriosis is one possible underlying cause, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women and girls of reproductive age.

Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains widely misunderstood so it’s important to clear up some of the most persistent myths surrounding this complex disease.

Myth: Endometriosis is just bad period cramps.

While painful periods are a common symptom, endometriosis is much more than that. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic inflammation, scar tissue and even organ damage. Pain can occur not only during menstruation but can also occur at other times such as ovulation, intercourse and daily activities. Some people with endometriosis experience debilitating symptoms, while others have minimal pain. The amount of internal disease does not correspond well with symptoms. 

Myth: Endometriosis always leads to infertility.

Endometriosis is a cause of infertility, but not everyone with the condition struggles to conceive. Many people with endometriosis can get pregnant naturally or with medical assistance, such as fertility treatments or surgery to remove problematic tissue. Early diagnosis and proper management can improve reproductive outcomes.

Myth: A hysterectomy cures endometriosis.

While removing the uterus may relieve symptoms for some, it is not a guaranteed cure. Endometrial-like tissue can still grow outside the uterus on other organs, such as the ovaries, bladder or intestines. This means symptoms can persist even after a hysterectomy. Treatment plans should be individualized, and many patients find symptom relief through a combination of hormone therapy, surgery and pain management.

Myth: If you don’t have heavy periods, you don’t have endometriosis.

Endometriosis presents differently in each person. While some experience heavy, painful periods, others have mild or even absent menstrual symptoms. Instead, they may have gastrointestinal issues, bladder discomfort or unexplained fatigue. Because symptoms vary widely, many cases go undiagnosed for years.

Myth: Endometriosis is easy to diagnose.

On average, it takes 7 to 10 years for someone to receive an official endometriosis diagnosis. Symptoms can mimic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to misdiagnosis. The only way to confirm endometriosis definitively is through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to see and biopsy the affected tissue.

Effective Treatment Options from WMCHealth
Endometriosis can have a profound impact on daily life, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and fertility challenges. However, effective treatment options are available.

At WMCHealth, we treat endometriosis through a comprehensive approach. Through partnership with our patients, we listen to the patient’s full history and consider all contributors to the pain and what would serve the patient best.

The management plans include a combination of medical and surgical care with the assistance of a multidisciplinary team that includes colon and rectal surgery, urology, radiology, and others as needed. Patients are managed long term for their chronic pelvic pain and treatment plans are adjusted based on the needs of the patient at the time.

The main goals are to have as few painful days as possible, as few surgeries in their lifetime as possible, and preservation of fertility if the patient desires. 

To learn more about WMCHealth’s women’s health services, visit our website or call 914.493.7000 to make an appointment.