Mar 05, 2025

Endometriosis Awareness Month 2025

This Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and reminding you that your pain is real — and most importantly you’re not alone.

Before we begin, we’d like to issue a trigger warning. This blog references topics such as mental health, anxiety, depression and infertility. If you find these topics triggering, please take a moment to honour yourself and your mental space. You can return to this blog at any time.

Each March here at Luna HQ we turn our focus to Endometriosis. We believe it’s a great opportunity to educate our readers on the realities of living with the chronic condition whilst highlighting and discussing any breakthrough news that may have been released in the past year. All of the information outlined in this blog has been sourced from academic journals, and all references can be found below.

Please keep in mind that we are not Doctors, and that the information discussed is for educational purposes only. If you suspect you have Endometriosis or are currently suffering with Endometriosis, Love Luna encourages you to discuss your symptoms with your health care professional.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain that can occur during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and urination.

Where is Endometriosis often found?

Endometriosis can often be found anywhere inside the uterus, alongside in between the uterus and rectum and in between the uterus and bladder. However, it doesn’t stop there. Endometriosis in rare cases can also be found in the bladder, cervix, intestines, rectum, stomach and the vagina.

How many people does it affect?

Studies show that 1 in 7 women are affected by Endometriosis in Australia, with over 190 million affected worldwide.

What are the symptoms associated with Endometriosis?

Each person’s experience with endometriosis is different. Women with endometriosis may have some of these symptoms, all of these symptoms or none of them. It is important to note that having severe pain or other symptoms is not necessarily a sign of more severe endometriosis.

The most common symptoms are as follows:

What does the pain caused by Endometriosis feel like?

It’s hard to decipher pain caused by Endometriosis as it’s quite a personal experience, however those who suffer with endometriosis often describe it as:

What causes Endometriosis?

Whilst there is no clear evidence to state what exactly causes Endometriosis, doctors believe a variety of different factors contribute to the development of the disease such as:

Genetics

Endometriosis seems to affect some families more often than others, so there may be a genetic link to the condition.

Blood or Lymph System Transport

Endometrial tissues are transported to other areas of the body through the blood or lymphatic systems, similar to the way cancer cells can spread through the body.

Reverse Menstruation

This occurs when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows backwards into your body, at the same time blood is flowing out of the vagina (your period.) This can cause endometrial-like cells to be deposited outside the uterus, where they can implant and grow, in turn linking it to the cause of endometriosis forming.

Cellular Metaplasia/Transformation

This occurs when cells change from one form to another. Cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.

What are the risk factors associated with Endometriosis?

Research shows that the following factors may place someone at a higher risk of developing endometriosis, including:

How do I receive a diagnosis for Endometriosis?

If you suspect you may have Endometriosis, the only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is through surgery, however, there are a few things you will be required to do in the early stages of your journey to get there.

The first step to gaining a diagnosis is to note down any symptoms that you experience, alongside tracking your cycle, this will help your Doctor gain more insight into what it is you are experiencing. It's important in the early stages of your diagnosis to speak to your medical practitioner not only about the symptoms you're experiencing but also the impact they may be having on your life. From here your medical practitioner should refer you to a Gynaecologist who will then be able to investigate your symptoms further. If you are not initially offered a referral to a Gynaecologist, then push for one, it is an essential part of receiving an accurate diagnosis.

It's likely your medical practitioner or Gynaecologist may require you to have some blood tests or ultrasounds done to see if any further insight can be gained here. However, it is important to note that often Endometriosis will not show on an ultrasound, so don't let a clear scan deter you from receiving a diagnosis. Your feelings and symptoms are valid.

Once these areas have been ruled out by your Gynaecologist, it will likely be time to undergo a Laparoscopy. This is a surgical day procedure conducted under general anaesthetic, whereby the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a thin tube with a camera and light connected, allowing them to inspect the tissues in and around the uterus where Endometriosis may be present.

Post surgery, your Surgeon will confirm your diagnosis if Endometriosis was found, and a relevant treatment plan will be created to assist the management of your symptoms moving forward.

What treatments are available for Endometriosis?

Whilst a cure is yet to be found for Endometriosis, symptomatic treatment will be offered to you post surgery. This may include Oral Contraception, IUD, Nuva Ring or contraceptive injection. In severe cases, some may require a hysterectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the uterus in its entirety. This procedure should only be conducted as an absolute last resort as it is irreversible. It is important to note here that after you have received a formal diagnosis, you should speak to your Doctor about accessing the Endometriosis Care Plan offered in Australia. This will allow you access to subsidised treatments such as pelvic physiotherapy, pain psychology, appointment subsidy and pharmaceutical benefits.

How do I manage my symptoms?

Your medical practitioner will provide you with advice on complementary symptom management to your care plan. This may include: