Downneta Espino, United States
I am a 39 year old mother of two and a wife I am also 1 of 176 million women who suffer from Endometriosis. Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. I have suffered in silence for close to 30 years. Endometriosis needs more awareness in the medical community as well socially. Endometriosis affects 1-10 women worldwide and there are only two treatments: birth control and Lupron. There is no cure. Due to this debilitating disease I can no longer have children and that's not my choice. After struggling for 11 and a half years I had two children. After my last pregnancy I became too sick to work and had to make the hardest choice of my life - that was to get a hystrectomy. After that major surgery I had 3 other for endometriosis and am still suffering. I have seen over 35 doctors and 1 specialist. I am not the only one suffering, so is my family. We need more awareness and help from others. Thank you for listing to my story and thank you for your time.