We are Endo Enlightened for Endo March. On this page, you will discover resources and videos from our clinicians all aimed at illuminating endometriosis—a condition that impacts 1 in 7 women and individuals assigned female at birth by age 49. This month focuses on raising awareness and initiating conversations about endometriosis.

Utilise our page to help spark those discussions and promote awareness and we can all #MarchIntoYellow2025.

Endometriosis affects up to one in seven women and is a condition where the endometrial like tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus on the wall of the pelvis, on the ligaments supporting the uterus, on the ovaries and sometimes on the bowel and bladder.

While the exact cause of endometriosis is uncertain, a number of theories exist and it is likely that several factors contribute to the formation of endometriosis.  We know that women who have a family history of endometriosis have a 7-8 times higher chance of having endometriosis suggesting genetics do play a big role.  One theory is that menstruation back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity make endometriosis more likely, however we know that up to 90% of women have some degree of retrograde menstruation so this is not the whole story.

Another theory is that cells lining the pelvis undergo changes that convert them into endometrial cells or that endometrial cells are spread via blood or the lymphatic system.  There is emerging evidence that endometriosis may be the result of impaired immunity or that environmental exposures when you are still in the womb may make endometriosis more likely.

There is still so much we don’t know about endometriosis and there is a pressing need for more research into this mysterious and enigmatic condition.

Symptoms for those suffering with endometriosis include;

• pain with periods,
• pain with ovulation or sex,
• pain passing urine
• opening bowels or continuous pelvic or lower back pain.

Some women may have difficulty falling pregnant.  Some women may have pelvic pain at other times in their cycle, nausea, vomiting and even headaches.

It is important to remember that if your periods are extremely painful or you have any of these symptoms which are affecting your quality of life, for example preventing you from attending school or work or doing the things you love, that you seek help from a health professional.

If untreated, endometriosis can result in persistent pelvic pain and sometimes in severe cases, infertility.

If you think you may be experiencing some of these symptoms, please ask your GP to consider referring you to an Eve Health gynaecologist for further assessment and investigation.

Further Information on endometriosis can be found at www.pelvicpain.org.au and www.endometriosis.org.au

Numerous myths and misconceptions exist regarding endometriosis. As Endo March is all all about raising awareness and encouraging meaningful discussions about this condition. Here at Eve Health we want to unpack these myths and provide more information about this condition that affects so many.

To highlight Endo March, we sat down with a number of our clinicians to clarify some of the misconceptions, and explore how this condition impacts countless individuals worldwide.

While it is common for women to experience some discomfort during their menstrual cycles, pain that interferes with daily activities and cannot be alleviated by over-the-counter medications is NOT considered normal.

Some people have very heavy and very painful periods and some have milder cramps and light periods while others may have pain in between and it is very dependent on each person.

Endometriosis can manifest in various ways, including painful periods, pelvic discomfort, painful bowel movements, painful intercourse, as well as back, leg, and shoulder pain, among others.

Dr Stephen Soong, a gynaecologist and obstetrician here at Eve Health explains here the truth about this myth and sheds a light on period pain and endometriosis.

Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis, but symptoms may improve because you don’t have periods during pregnancy. Hormone changes during pregnancy may also improve symptoms. Some women continue to experience pain through their pregnancy. This can lead to feelings of worry and concern. While there are varied research results about how endometriosis affects pregnancy, most women with endometriosis have a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.

Some women find their endometriosis symptoms improve or go away after giving birth. But for many women, endometriosis symptoms come back after they stop breast-feeding and their period returns. It’s important to continue with medical care for your endometriosis after your baby is born.

In this video, Dr. Pranali Patel delves deeper to dispel this myth.

Mild endometriosis symptoms do not necessarily mean that no damage is occurring. For instance, a woman with significant endometriosis might experience no symptoms, while another with only minor endometriosis could endure severe symptoms. Endometriosis presents differently for each individual with different symptoms and severity of symptoms.

Having endometriosis doesn’t equate to infertility; it can sometimes make it more difficult to get pregnant but most women diagnosed with this condition can conceive naturally without any issues. However, if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, it’s crucial to discuss fertility options with your specialist, particularly if you’ve been trying to conceive for six months or longer.

Endo Australia has developed a variety of valuable resources and information on how to initiate conversations and raise awareness about Endometriosis.

If you’re seeking a fun and simple way to support the endometriosis community, consider joining the March into Yellow movement. This initiative aims to encourage discussions and demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the condition.

Participants are invited to wear yellow—representing hope and visibility for individuals living with an invisible illness.

In addition to raising awareness, March into Yellow contributes to funding education and research on endometriosis through Endometriosis Australia.

#MarchIntoYellow2025 #EndometriosisAustralia