News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Endometriosis Awareness Month: How it affects fertility and what you should know

Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of reproductive age women worldwide.

Leanna Wells

Mar 25, 2026, 1:24 AM

Updated 6 days ago

Share:

More Stories

March is recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month.

According to the World Health Organization, it affects an estimated 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide.

"The issue with endometriosis is that it's very common, may affect up to 10% of our patients. And it's an inflammatory condition," said Dr. Spencer Richlin, surgical director at Illume Fertility.

Richlin said most health care providers don't think about the inflammatory disease. Symptoms include severe, debilitating menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, pain during or after sex and heavy, prolonged periods.

Besides causing severe pain, it can also cause issues for women who are trying to get pregnant.

"We want to teach them about the medical condition and then offer them testing to kind of figure what's happening," he said.

Anyone who suspects that they have endometriosis should contact their OBGYN or reproductive physician.

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices