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As you may know, endometriosis is a condition that is near to me. It is a condition that effects millions of women annually and according to medical literature takes between 8-11 years to diagnose. In my case, it was 15 years! By running this half-marathon, a team of Stetson Law Students hopes to raise awareness and funds for the World Endometriosis Research Foundation so that more research can be done to prevent the debilitating pain and infertility that often results. 

There are several medical conditions that have similar, common symptoms; thereby, making them difficult to diagnose. Because the symptoms are common, they are often ignored. Upon first glance, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis (IC), and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) appear to be vastly different. Yet, all of these diseases have at least one symptom in common – pelvic pain.

Hurdles providers face is that many patients have more than one of these conditions, the diagnostic tests vary, and different medical specialists are required to evaluate and treat the individual conditions. A commitment on the part of healthcare providers and patients is required to ensure that patient concerns are not dismissed and a proper diagnosis is rendered.

What is Endometriosis?

- Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue (tissue found in the lining of the uterus) is discovered in other areas of the body.
- Because it looks and acts like endometrial tissue, whenever a menstrual cycle takes place, the endometriosis also bleeds regardless of where it is located.
- The degree of pain is variable and does not necessarily correlate to the severity of the endometriosis. 

- Infertility and debilitating pain that adversely impacts daily life activities are common.
- Treatment can either be surgery (laparoscopy), hormonal therapy (birth control pills, progestin, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)), or a combination of the two.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about endometriosis. Please visit the World Endometriosis Research Foundation for more information at www.endometriosisfoundation.org/.

We appreciate your generosity in contributing to this worth while cause.

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