Endometriosis is a condition that’s often misunderstood — and with all the myths floating around, it’s no wonder people feel confused or even scared when they hear the diagnosis.
To cut through the noise, we talked to leading experts like Dr. Cindy Duke King and Dr. Caroline Stegmann, who shared what’s fact and what’s fiction about endometriosis.
Let’s dive into 10 of the most common myths about this condition — and uncover the real story behind each one.
Myth 1: It’s normal to have really painful or heavy periods
Sure, lots of people experience cramps or heavy bleeding during their period — in fact, over half of those who menstruate report some pain. But when the pain is severe or starts showing up in other parts of the body, it could be a sign of something more serious, like endometriosis.
Dr. King explains that pain from endometriosis isn’t just limited to periods. It can include:
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain while urinating
- Pain during ovulation
- Pain in other parts of the body
Also, the amount of bleeding and the timing of your cycle can vary — including things like spotting between periods.
Dr. Stegmann adds that while some people do have painful, heavy periods, others experience only mild symptoms or even pain between periods. The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all symptom profile, and if something feels off, it’s worth talking to your doctor.
Myth 2: Getting pregnant will cure endometriosis
This is a very common myth, but it’s simply not true.
Dr. King says that while some people see a reduction in symptoms during pregnancy, others don’t, and some even experience worsening symptoms.
Dr. Stegmann reinforces the point: “There’s no cure for endometriosis.” Pregnancy does change hormone levels, which might impact symptoms, but it doesn’t eliminate the condition. Research has found that while some lesions regress, others stay the same or even grow.
So no — pregnancy is not a treatment plan.
Myth 3: A hysterectomy will cure endometriosis
Here’s the deal: A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may help relieve symptoms for some, but it doesn’t always offer a cure.
A study involving 137 women showed that 84% felt better after a hysterectomy — but Dr. King warns that endometriosis can still return if any lesions remain elsewhere in the body.
Why? Because endometriosis feeds off estrogen, which is produced by the ovaries — not the uterus. A standard hysterectomy doesn’t remove the ovaries, so estrogen can still fuel leftover endometrial tissue.
Dr. Stegmann points out that deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) — where lesions burrow into organs like the bowel — often won’t go away, even with surgery or hormone suppression. So, while a hysterectomy might help in some cases, it’s not a guaranteed solution.
Myth 4: Endometriosis only affects reproductive organs
Not even close.
While the pelvis and lower abdomen are the most common areas where endometrial tissue is found, lesions can appear almost anywhere in the body.
Dr. Stegmann explains that endometriosis usually implants on the peritoneum, the inner lining of the abdomen — not necessarily the uterus or ovaries. In rare cases, it’s been found in the lungs, and even in the brain, where it can trigger seizures during menstruation.
Although that sounds scary, these distant cases are extremely rare. Still, doctors now understand that endometriosis outside the pelvis might be more common than previously thought — and they’re keeping an eye out for symptoms in unexpected places.
Myth 5: Endometriosis always causes pain
Pain is a common symptom, but it’s not universal.
Studies show that over 60% of people with endometriosis report chronic pelvic pain, and those with the condition are 13 times more likely to have abdominal pain than people without it.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Some people have no pain at all and still have endometriosis.
Dr. King says that it’s definitely possible to be diagnosed without any pain symptoms. And Dr. Stegmann explains that some people with mild endometriosis feel terrible pain, while others with severe forms — like DIE — might feel nothing at all.
It likely comes down to where the lesions are and whether they release pain-causing chemicals. Sometimes, endometriosis is only discovered during abdominal surgery — completely by surprise.
Myth 6: Menopause stops endometriosis
Many people assume that once your period ends, so does endometriosis — but that’s not always the case.
Even after menopause, around 2–5% of people still deal with endometriosis. In fact, it can develop years after menstruation stops, according to Dr. King.
Dr. Stegmann explains that just like with a hysterectomy, menopause doesn’t automatically stop estrogen production. And since estrogen fuels endometriosis, symptoms can continue — or even begin — later in life.
If pain continues after menopause, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ongoing management options.
Myth 7: Endometriosis always causes infertility
This is a scary one — but it’s not true for everyone.
Studies show that 30–50% of people with endometriosis may struggle with fertility, but that also means many can get pregnant naturally.
Dr. King emphasizes that having endometriosis does not automatically mean you’re infertile. And Dr. Stegmann shares that some patients with severe endometriosis have no trouble conceiving, while others with milder forms might face challenges.
Bottom line? The only way to know is to try, and if you’re planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor. Some treatments used for endometriosis can interfere with fertility and will need to be paused.
Myth 8: Abortion causes endometriosis
Let’s be clear: There is no link between abortion and endometriosis.
Dr. King explains that the condition’s exact cause isn’t fully understood, but there’s no evidence whatsoever that abortion causes it. In fact, studies suggest genetics may play a bigger role.
Dr. Stegmann agrees: “Absolutely not. There’s zero association between abortion and endometriosis.”
Myth 9: Birth control pills cure endometriosis
This one’s partially true, but mostly a myth.
While birth control pills can help manage symptoms by suppressing ovulation and menstrual flow, they don’t cure endometriosis.
Dr. King says they’re useful for symptom relief, and Dr. Stegmann explains that by leveling out hormones and preventing bleeding, birth control can help reduce pain — but again, it’s not a cure.
Other treatments include:
- Pain relievers like NSAIDs
- Hormonal medications, including GnRH antagonists, which were FDA-approved in 2018 to help with endometriosis pain
Myth 10: High estrogen levels cause endometriosis
This one gets tossed around a lot — but it’s not entirely accurate.
Dr. King says that while high estrogen levels don’t cause endometriosis, estrogen does play a role in making symptoms worse.
In fact, research shows that estrogen receptors may affect how the condition behaves in the body. There’s also new evidence suggesting that immune system activity may be involved in the development and progression of endometriosis.
So it’s not just about hormones — it’s much more complex.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you have endometriosis without period pain?
Yes. Some people have no pain at all and are only diagnosed during unrelated surgery or fertility treatment.
Q: Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes. Many people with endometriosis conceive naturally, although some may need fertility support.
Q: Is there a cure for endometriosis?
No. There’s no permanent cure, but there are many treatments that can reduce or manage symptoms.
Q: Does menopause always stop endometriosis?
Not always. Some people continue to experience symptoms even after their periods stop.
Q: Is endometriosis just bad periods?
No. It’s a complex condition that can affect multiple organs and cause a wide range of symptoms — not just period pain.
🧠 Conclusion: The Truth About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex, chronic condition — and it deserves far more awareness and accurate information than it usually gets.
Despite all the myths out there, here’s what we do know:
- It can affect anyone — with a wide range of symptoms (or none at all)
- There’s no cure, but **there are