Patient Resources

Trusted guides for informed endometriosis care.

All resources

36 of 36 articles
Research & Biology6 min read

You Just Got Your Surgical Report, and It Says Endosalpingiosis: Here's What That Means

Fallopian-tube-like cells found outside the tubes. What endosalpingiosis is, how it differs from endometriosis, whether it causes symptoms, and why the two often appear together.

August 2026Read →
Research & Biology8 min read

More Than a Pelvic Disease: Understanding the Full-Body Reality of Endometriosis

Endometriosis can affect the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and nerves. Learn where it grows, why symptoms differ so much, and why multidisciplinary care matters.

August 2026Read →
Surgery & Recovery10 min read

Pre- and Post-Op Excision Surgery Shopping List: What to Pack for the Hospital, Hotel, or Home

A practical packing and shopping guide for endometriosis excision surgery. What to bring for an overnight hospital stay, hotel recovery, or healing at home — with patient-recommended reasons for each item.

August 2026Read →
Navigating Care9 min read

Do You Still Need Surgery to Be Diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2026?

A normal MRI or ultrasound does not rule out endometriosis. How advanced imaging can now diagnose deep infiltrating endometriosis — and when surgery is still the gold standard.

July 2026Read →
Advocacy5 min read

Hospitals Threatening to Cancel Your Surgery Because of Estimated Costs? Read This Before You Panic.

What to do when a hospital demands a large upfront payment days before excision surgery — your rights, the No Surprises Act, and how EEFA advocates alongside you in real time.

June 2026Read →
Surgery & Recovery15 min read

If You Are Having a Hysterectomy with Excision Surgery

Questions to ask your surgeon, what to expect after a hysterectomy with excision, vaginal cuff recovery, ovarian retention, pelvic floor recovery, and when to seek help.

June 2026Read →
Insurance8 min read

Gap Insurance for Endometriosis Excision Surgery

How gap insurance, gap exceptions, and single-case agreements can help patients petition for coverage of endometriosis excision surgery with out-of-network specialists.

June 2026Read →
Financial10 min read

Financial Assistance for Endometriosis Care: Insurance Tips, Medication Savings, and Medical Financing

A practical guide to insurance appeals, nonprofit assistance programs, medical financing, and prescription savings for patients navigating the cost of endometriosis care.

May 2026Read →
Advocacy8 min read

How Medicare's Physician Payment System Shaped Care Incentives — and Why It Still Affects Patients Today

Medicare's 1992 RBRVS reform standardized physician payment but entrenched incentives that favor procedures over cognitive, patient-centered care — with lasting effects for endometriosis patients.

January 2026Read →
Advocacy8 min read

1 in 5 Americans Skip Medical Care Due to Costs: The Growing Healthcare Crisis, According to a 2024 Report

Millions of Americans delay or skip medical care because of cost. Explore the data, human impact, and actionable steps to advocate for affordable healthcare.

September 2025Read →
Advocacy10 min read

Why Women Are Routinely Dismissed in Healthcare (and How That Must End)

Women are more likely to be dismissed, misdiagnosed, and undertreated in healthcare. Explore the data on gender bias, medical gaslighting, and how to advocate for equitable care.

August 2025Read →
Research & Biology9 min read

Endometriosis and Migraines: Understanding the Overlap

People with endometriosis are more than twice as likely to experience migraines. Explore the hormonal, inflammatory, and neurological links — and how integrated care can help.

July 2025Read →
Navigating Care9 min read

Navigating Relationships When Endometriosis Is Part of Your Story

Practical guidance for couples navigating endometriosis together, including communication strategies, partner support, intimacy, and shared care.

May 2025Read →
Advocacy6 min read

It Took Until 2023 to Test Period Products With Real Blood — And That's a Problem

For nearly a century, period products were tested with water or saline—not real blood. Learn why this matters for menstrual health, endometriosis diagnosis, and women's health research.

May 2025Read →
Advocacy7 min read

Endometriosis Ranks as a Leading Cause of Female Gynecologic Hospitalization

A closer look at the hospitalization data, the 7–10 year diagnostic delay, and the broader physical, financial, and emotional impact of endometriosis.

April 2025Read →
Advocacy10 min read

How Patients and Medical Professionals Can Raise Awareness About Adenomyosis

A guide to advocacy, diagnosis, research needs, and community building for adenomyosis — an underrecognized companion to endometriosis.

April 2025Read →
Nutrition & Lifestyle9 min read

Nightshades and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet: A Path to Relief for Endometriosis Patients

Explore how avoiding nightshades and following an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce inflammation and support endometriosis symptom management.

April 2025Read →
Surgery & Recovery8 min read

Post-Surgery Life with Endometriosis: Why Surgery Isn't Always the End of the Journey

Understand why surgery isn't always the end of the endometriosis journey, what to expect after excision or ablation, and how to build a sustainable long-term care plan.

March 2025Read →
Advocacy8 min read

Empower Your Health Journey with Free Resources from The Audacious Patient

Discover free self-advocacy resources from The Audacious Patient to help endometriosis patients navigate medical gaslighting, negotiate bills, and communicate with doctors.

March 2025Read →
Advocacy7 min read

The Hidden Crisis: Endometriosis in the African American Community

Explore disparities in endometriosis diagnosis and care for African American women, including medical bias, access barriers, cultural factors, and pathways to equitable care.

February 2025Read →
Navigating Care6 min read

Ice Pack vs. Heating Pad: Which Best Relieves Menstrual Cramps?

Compare heat therapy and cold therapy for menstrual cramps, learn best practices for each, and find out when to seek medical advice for period pain.

February 2025Read →
Navigating Care6 min read

Understanding Nervous System Regulation with Endometriosis: Finding Balance in an Overactive System

Learn how endometriosis can affect nervous system regulation, why down-regulation matters, and practical strategies for finding balance and relief.

February 2025Read →
Everyday Exposures8 min read

Clean Swaps: Your Guide to Non-Toxic Feminine Care and Intimate Care Products

A guide to reducing hormone disruptors in feminine care and intimate products, with cleaner alternatives for tampons, pads, underwear, bras, condoms, and lubricants.

January 2025Read →
Research & Biology6 min read

The Staggering Cost of UTIs: How a Common Infection Drains $3.5 Billion Annually

UTIs cost the United States an estimated $3.5 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity. Learn why UTIs disproportionately affect women and how prevention can help.

January 2025Read →
Navigating Care7 min read

Cervical Health Awareness Month: Taking Control of Your Wellness

A guide to cervical health, Pap smears, HPV prevention, and practical screening considerations for people living with endometriosis.

January 2025Read →
Research & Biology9 min read

The Complex Connection: Endometriosis, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis

Explore the link between endometriosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including shared inflammation, diagnostic challenges, treatment considerations, and supportive care strategies.

December 2024Read →
Advocacy10 min read

Addressing the Worldwide Impact of Endometriosis for Global Health Engagement Month

Explore the global burden of endometriosis, healthcare disparities, diagnostic delays, and initiatives working to improve care for 190 million people worldwide.

December 2024Read →
Surgery & Recovery8 min read

Endometriosis and Bladder Health: Understanding the Connection

Learn how endometriosis can affect the bladder, symptoms of bladder endometriosis, why trained excision specialists matter, recurrence data, and non-surgical management options.

November 2024Read →
Everyday Exposures7 min read

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Safe Alternatives for Endometriosis and Hormone Health

A guide to reducing hormone disruptors in household cleaners with safer, eco-friendly alternatives for endometriosis and hormone health.

October 2024Read →
Research & Biology7 min read

Understanding Mittelschmerz: The Lesser-Known Ovulation Pain

Learn what Mittelschmerz is, why ovulation pain switches sides, how it differs from ovarian cysts, its possible link to endometriosis, and evidence-based ways to manage it.

October 2024Read →
Research & Biology7 min read

The Hidden Link: Histamines and Endometriosis

Explore the emerging research on histamines, mast cells, inflammation, and estrogen in endometriosis, plus practical strategies to discuss with your care team.

September 2024Read →
Everyday Exposures5 min read

Healthy Kitchen Swaps: Reduce Hormone Disruptors with These Simple Changes

Simple kitchen swaps to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors in cookware, food storage, cleaning products, and more.

August 2024Read →
Everyday Exposures6 min read

Clean Beauty: Chemical-Loaded Makeup Brands and Safer Alternatives

A guide to common chemicals in conventional makeup, brands to watch for, and clean beauty alternatives that support hormone health.

August 2024Read →
Advocacy5 min read

The Exclusion of Women from Clinical Trials: A Historical Perspective

A historical look at how women were excluded from clinical trials, the policy reversals that followed, and why representation in medical research still matters today.

July 2024Read →
Navigating Care9 min read

How to Find an Endometriosis Excision Specialist: A Patient Guide and Questions to Ask

What to look for in an excision specialist, why surgeon experience matters, and the questions to bring to your consultation.

June 2024Read →
Everyday Exposures6 min read

Make the Switch: Protect Your Health with Laundry Detergents Free of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

Many popular laundry detergents contain hormone disruptors. Learn which brands to watch for and eco-friendly alternatives that support endocrine health.

June 2024Read →

Disclaimer

The information provided in these resources is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific medical conditions and treatment options.