Endometriosis Awareness Month: A Conversation on KUSI About Diagnosis, Treatment, and Hope
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time to elevate the conversation around a disease that affects millions of women yet remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
Last week, I had the opportunity to join Megan Healy on KUSI News in San Diego to talk about endometriosis, why diagnosis can take years, and how advances in surgical care and multidisciplinary treatment are helping women reclaim their health and their lives.
Many people are surprised to learn that endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women, yet the average time to diagnosis is still 7 to 10 years. During that time, many patients are told that their symptoms are normal, or they are given treatments that address symptoms without identifying the root cause.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These lesions can appear on the ovaries, pelvic sidewalls, bladder, bowel, and other structures within the pelvis.
Because this tissue responds to hormonal cycles, it can cause significant inflammation, scarring, and pain.
Common symptoms include:
Severe or worsening menstrual pain
Chronic pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Bloating or digestive symptoms
Fertility challenges
Fatigue
However, symptoms can vary widely. Some patients experience debilitating pain, while others may have minimal symptoms despite significant disease, sometimes referred to as “silent endometriosis.”
Why Endometriosis Is So Difficult to Diagnose
One of the biggest challenges in endometriosis care is that the disease often does not show up clearly on imaging such as ultrasound or MRI.
For many women, years pass while symptoms are attributed to other causes — gastrointestinal conditions, hormonal changes, or simply “normal period pain.”
A key message I shared during the interview is this:
Missing school, work, athletics, or daily activities because of period pain is not normal.
When symptoms disrupt quality of life, it’s important to seek evaluation from a provider experienced in endometriosis care.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
Treatment approaches vary depending on symptoms, goals, and the extent of disease. These may include:
Hormonal therapies to help manage symptoms
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Nutritional and lifestyle strategies
Pain management approaches
Surgical excision of endometriosis
In my practice, I specialize in minimally invasive robotic excision surgery, which focuses on carefully removing endometriosis lesions while preserving healthy anatomy whenever possible.
Surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and long-term management often involves collaboration with other specialists, including fertility experts, pelvic floor therapists, and integrative care providers.
Building a Community of Awareness and Support
Education is a critical part of improving outcomes for patients with endometriosis. When women understand their symptoms and know what questions to ask, they are better equipped to advocate for their care.
That’s why this month I’m participating in several educational opportunities designed to bring accurate, compassionate information to the community.
One of the highlights is an upcoming free community endometriosis education event in partnership with Sharp Healthcare.
This event will bring together experts across multiple specialties to discuss how collaborative care can help women living with endometriosis.
Join the Conversation
If you missed the KUSI interview, you can watch the full segment below.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is about more than statistics or yellow ribbons. It’s about creating space for women to be heard, believed, and supported on their journey toward answers.
If something about your symptoms doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and seek care.
You deserve to be heard, and you deserve answers.
