For millions of women, period pain isn’t something you “push through.” It’s chronic. It’s annoying, and too often, it’s ignored.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underdiscussed, especially in communities where women are expected to stay quiet and keep going. Through this Block by Block report, P.O.C. sat down with three women from our region to talk honestly about what living with endometriosis really looks like.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to severe pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility, and a range of other complications. Studies show that 50–80% of women with chronic pelvic pain and up to 50% of women experiencing infertility may have endometriosis. Yet many are told it’s normal or dismissed with birth control.
Diagnosed in 2011 after a medical emergency that nearly took her life, Lauren Cornege searched for answers and community, only to find very little representation. She founded Endo Black, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and support for women navigating endometriosis. What started as an Instagram page became a movement rooted in shared experience, education, and healing. Her message is simple: “If there’s a void, fill it!”
Journalist Sonny Morgan’s experience reflects what many people in our communities face when seeking care. Years of pain, short-term fixes, and delayed answers. After surgery, doctors identified signs of adenomyosis, a condition related to endometriosis. Her story highlights how hard it can be to get real diagnoses in overburdened health systems and why better care, workplace protections, and supportive health policies matter for people managing chronic pain every day.
Barbara Martin Ellis brings a generational perspective. After years of infertility treatments, surgeries, and dismissive medical advice, she was told menopause would be the solution. Instead, the pain returned. At 54, she’s still searching for answers. Her story reminds us that endometriosis isn’t just a “young woman’s issue”, it can be lifelong.
These stories make one thing clear endometriosis is not “just period pain.” It’s a public health issue. It’s a quality of life issue and it deserves attention, research, and resources.
A Great read!