Trauma and Endometriosis: The unspoken common denominator

This week marks National Infertility Awareness week, a time devoted to bringing awareness to and educating the greater community about a struggle that impacts millions of individuals in the United States alone. Although not all patients with endometriosis will struggle to conceive, some studies suggest that up to 50% of women with infertility also struggle with endometriosis.

Those of us who dedicate our time to treating endometriosis frequently discuss how to reduce the time from onset to diagnosis, which is estimated to average anywhere from 4 to 11 years.1-3 In addition to patients who have never been told about endometriosis, we also see patients who have been placed on hormonal suppression for years based on their probability of having the condition.

As leaders among our worldwide – yet so closely knit – endometriosis community, we recognize the importance now more than ever of upholding our shared commitment towards fostering a welcoming, supportive and inclusive space for all. We are so fortunate to have the privilege of providing care to a beautifully diverse patient population between us, one comprised of individuals from every race, religion and background from around the globe.