Living with endometriosis can be tough — it’s a chronic condition that comes with physical pain, emotional strain, and constant unpredictability. But while it might feel like an endless uphill battle, many people with endometriosis find that certain self-care practices can make a real difference. With a mix of small lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, and support from others, it’s possible to create brighter, more manageable days. Let’s explore some realistic and practical self-care strategies to help you through.  1. Understand and accept your condition First, let’s acknowledge what endometriosis is: it happens when tissue similar...

If you have endometriosis (or suspected endometriosis), it’s completely normal to have concerns about your fertility and what options are available. For those exploring in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may even be wondering if an endometriosis diagnosis will impact your chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatment.  Unfortunately, the relationship between endometriosis and IVF success rates isn't always straightforward, and that can be incredibly frustrating. We’re here to break it down in a way that makes sense — including how endometriosis might affect your fertility journey and how to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy...

Your period is at it again. Debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding, complete exhaustion, and nothing seems to help. If you’re starting to wonder if something more than a “bad period” could be to blame, these are just some of the common — and super frustrating — symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis. These two misunderstood (and often misdiagnosed) conditions can wreak havoc on your cycle, fertility, and overall well-being.  “Both endometriosis and adenomyosis can be difficult to diagnose, and for many women, the diagnosis is never made,” says Bruce Lessey, MD, PhD, a reproductive endocrinologist & infertility specialist...

If you're reading this, then you might be curious if your endometriosis can come back after being treated. The not-so-good news is that it is likely to recur, even after surgical intervention, which can be yet another hurdle for those who may be trying — and struggling — to get pregnant.  The good news is that there are ways to diagnose and treat endometriosis that can help increase your chances of getting pregnant with the condition. Read on to learn more.  But first, what exactly is endometriosis? "Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that is similar...

If you’ve been pregnant once, getting pregnant the second time should be easy, right? Well, not always. About 11% of couples experience secondary infertility, and one of the most common reasons is undiagnosed endometriosis. This is why it’s possible to have a successful pregnancy with endometriosis and then have difficulty getting or staying pregnant in the future.  To help us understand this further, we spoke to a fertility specialist to answer all of your questions about endometriosis after pregnancy.  But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the...

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects 200 million people worldwide and at least 7-15% of women. Characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, it often leads to severe pelvic pain, heavy menstrual periods, and even infertility. One of the most challenging aspects of endometriosis is dealing with flare-ups, where symptoms intensify and, in many cases, disrupt everyday activities.  The good news is that there are effective strategies to manage and reduce the pain associated with endometriosis flare-ups. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and treatments to help you regain control and...

Endometriosis (whether assumed or confirmed) can bring a lot of stress, pain, and uncertainty into your life. Once you kick off your path toward pregnancy, you may even start wondering if getting pregnant while living with endometriosis is a possibility.  The answer to this question has layers, according to Dr. Jessica Ryniec, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in Boston. “Many people are able to get pregnant with endometriosis without fertility treatment, but many do need assistance (meaning IVF), and it's better to know that as soon as possible,” explains Dr. Ryniec. ...

I’ve lived a lifetime of painful periods. The kind where you're up all night pacing your bedroom, resorting to Lamaze breathing because the pain is just that unbearable. No Midol or Advil could ever touch the intensity of my cramps — abdominal, back, bowel, you name it. And the bleeding? Let’s just say I was the girl in middle school infamous for staining her shorts and hiding the blood with a sweatshirt tied around her waist. Even the most promisingly labeled tampons and pads didn't stand a chance. Nausea and vomiting were as much a...

If you ask “the interwebs” if ovarian cysts cause infertility, you’ll be led down a windy, confusing road of Yes…No…Maybe? Truthfully, it is impossible to answer this question with a simple yes or no because the definition of “cyst” is so broad. A cyst is a fluid-filled sack. Some are completely benign and don't cause any negative symptoms, while others can be problematic due to their size, impact on hormones, or even malignancy.  To help us understand the different types of cysts and how they can affect fertility, we spoke to Levica H. Narine, MD,...

If you have a family member with endometriosis, you know it’s more than just a bad period.  You’ve seen firsthand how chronic pain affects someone’s quality of life — and the toll it takes on their mental health. It’s natural to wonder if you’ll experience something similar too. Here’s what we know: Your risk increases if you have a close family member with endometriosis. More research is needed to fully understand the link between genetics and the condition, but if you have a family history, there are steps you can take to stay ahead of...