10 endometriosis myths busted

Myth #1

"Severe menstrual pain is normal — you just have to learn to live with it."

Pain that stops you from functioning is NOT normal. It is a signal of an organic disease. Today, accurate diagnostic tools (ultrasound performed according to the IDEA protocol) and effective treatments are available. No woman should suffer for years in silence.

Myth #2

"Endometriosis goes away at menopause, so you just have to wait."

In many cases symptoms improve after menopause, but the disease does not disappear entirely. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can persist after menopause, especially in women on hormone replacement therapy. Even without hormones, adhesions and scarring remain — and they can cause symptoms for many years.

Myth #3

"Pregnancy cures endometriosis for good."

Pregnancy temporarily eases symptoms, because it suppresses menstruation for 9 months plus the breastfeeding period. BUT it does not cure the disease. At 1–2 years postpartum, symptoms often return. In addition, pregnancy in women with endometriosis carries specific risks that require close monitoring.

Myth #4

"Endometriosis only affects mature women — teenagers can't have it."

FALSE. Endometriosis can begin with the very first period. Many women diagnosed as adults report that their symptoms began in adolescence. Teenagers with severe menstrual pain DESERVE an evaluation — not to be told it is 'normal'.

Myth #5

"Oral contraceptives cure endometriosis."

Contraceptives suppress symptoms, they do not cure the disease. When they are stopped, symptoms often return. They are useful for short-term symptom management, but they are not a definitive solution. Women who want to become pregnant need a different approach.

Myth #6

"Hysterectomy (removing the uterus) cures endometriosis for good."

FALSE. Endometriosis exists outside the uterus — on the ovaries, bowel, bladder, and ligaments. Removing the uterus does not remove lesions outside it. Symptoms can persist or return after hysterectomy, especially if lesions outside the uterus are not removed. Hysterectomy is a last resort, not a first option.

Myth #7

"Endometriosis is a rare disease."

FALSE. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age — roughly 190 million globally. This is a World Health Organization estimate. It is NOT rare — it is underdiagnosed.

Myth #8

"You can't diagnose endometriosis without surgery (laparoscopy)."

Outdated. In 2026, we have the IDEA protocol (International Deep Endometriosis Analysis) — a standardized transvaginal ultrasound approach that, in trained hands, detects most deep endometriosis lesions. Laparoscopy with histology remains the reference method for confirmation, but it is no longer a necessary first step.

Myth #9

"Your pain is psychosomatic — you're exaggerating."

This is one of the most harmful things a patient can hear. Endometriosis is a proven organic disease — with lesions visible on ultrasound, biologically measurable inflammation, and identified genetic changes. Some women who are told this actually have endometriosis that has not been properly evaluated. Find a doctor who believes you and takes your evaluation seriously.

Myth #10

"There's nothing you can do about endometriosis — you have to learn to live with the pain."

The most devastating myth. Endometriosis is treatable. Most patients see a meaningful improvement in symptoms with the right approach — a combination of hormonal treatment, robotic surgery (when needed), a multidisciplinary approach and, sometimes, assisted reproduction techniques. A life without pain is possible — but it starts with the right diagnosis.