Unveiling the Unseen: Navigating the Journey of Endometriosis through A Womb with a View

A woman experiencing the discomfort of endometriosis lies curled up on a bed, seeking relief from pain.

Let’s talk about something that's rarely talked about enough—endometriosis. For millions of women, it’s not just “bad cramps” or a tough period. It’s a chronic, often invisible illness that quietly takes a toll on the body, mind, and everyday life.

In this blog, A Womb with a View, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal the real experiences behind the diagnosis. From navigating the healthcare maze to managing pain that disrupts careers, relationships, and dreams, this is an honest look at what it means to live with endometriosis.

Whether you’re someone who’s walking this path or simply want to understand it better, you’re in the right place. Because shedding light on what’s often hidden is the first step toward change—and every story shared brings us closer to that.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be a life-altering diagnosis, often shrouded in misconceptions and stigma. Many women endure an average of 7 to 10 years of pain and uncertainty before receiving a proper diagnosis. Symptoms can vary widely, from intense pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding to infertility, impacting roughly 10% of menstruating women worldwide. This variability often leads to frustration and confusion, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for their health actively.

Research indicates various potential causes of endometriosis, including genetic factors, immune system disorders, and hormonal imbalances. A 2018 study highlighted that women with a family history of endometriosis are seven times more likely to develop the condition. Understanding the biological and emotional impact of endometriosis is vital for those grappling with its challenges.

My Diagnosis: A Turning Point

My personal journey began several years ago when I first experienced debilitating pain during my menstrual cycle. Initially, I dismissed it as standard period cramps, but as time passed, the pain grew unbearable. Seeking medical advice often led to dismissals and misdiagnoses, leaving me frustrated. I repeatedly heard my pain described as “normal” despite a nagging sense that something was seriously wrong.

After what felt like an endless series of appointments, I finally saw a specialist who listened. After a series of tests and a laparoscopy, I received the diagnosis I had both dreaded and anticipated: endometriosis. The relief of finally knowing the name of my suffering was quickly clouded by anxiety over what this would mean for my future.

Living with Endometriosis: The Daily Reality

Living with endometriosis feels like navigating through a fog daily. The physical symptoms can be overwhelming, while the emotional toll often feels just as heavy. Each month, I find myself managing a range of pain that defines my daily activities and social life.

The unpredictability of symptoms is one of the most significant challenges. Some days, I feel capable and energetic, but other days are completely debilitating, limiting my ability to engage in activities I once loved, like hiking or dinner with friends. For instance, during particularly painful flare-ups, I might have to cancel plans at the last minute, leaving me with feelings of guilt and isolation.

My journey with endometriosis began quietly in 2020 — quietly, because I didn’t yet understand the storm brewing inside me. At the time, I was told I might have endometriosis, based on what doctors called “visible symptoms.” Looking back now, I can’t help but find irony in that term. What about the invisible ones? The ones that creep into your soul, your relationships, your career, your plans, your sleep — everything?

The real awakening came in 2021, after a diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed what my body had already been trying to scream: Endo was here, and it wasn’t planning on leaving. It was an early summer morning in June when I woke up with pain so deep I couldn’t stand. I thought it was a cramp. I thought it would pass. It didn’t. And it hasn’t — not even in 2025. That day, my normal life quietly closed its door behind me.

Before that morning, I was a woman with plans. With dreams. With a timeline for the next five years. Life, however, had its own plans — ones that involved trading certainty for endurance, and ease for evolution.

Between June 2020 and June 2021, I battled painful periods. But the pain wasn’t constant — not like it is now. After June 2021, the pain decided to unpack its bags and stay. And with it came the slow unraveling of a world I’d worked so hard to build. Friendships started fading. Dating? Practically non-existent. My social life began to dim. And slowly, the world around me began to shrink, not because I had changed — but because people began labelling me: the sick girl who always has something wrong with her.

Now, five years later, I no longer see that confused girl from 2020 in the mirror. She grew up. She transformed. Endometriosis may have finally exited my body after my surgery in November 2023 — thanks to Dr. Mangs in Mumbai — but its cousin, Adenomyosis, took its place. The pain never left. It just changed names. You know I have met so many doctors in these 5 years but it was only after meeting Dr. Mangs I felt heard. He not only listened to me but also gave me hope that was missing in my life at that point.

Recently, I underwent a pudendal nerve block — because even the experts think something more might be feeding this fire. Nerves, muscles, tissues — it’s all fair game when your body has been in battle mode for half a decade. I’m healing, maybe. Or maybe just learning new ways to survive.

But here’s the truth: I am not the same woman who began this journey. I am more grounded. Sharper. Fiercer. Kinder. I’ve developed a quiet, relentless strength — the kind that lets you paraglide, ski, and horse ride while your insides feel like they’re burning. Yes, I needed painkillers afterward. Yes, I danced at my best friends’ weddings in Haryana and Uttarakhand and paid the price in silent agony. But I did it.

And I didn’t do it alone.

To my parents — my anchors, my courage — every impossible thing I’ve achieved was because you stood beside me. Whether it was chasing a dream or just getting through the day, you held space for my pain and my power. And to my close-knit tribe of friends who never gave up on me — thank you. I write this today not with tears, but with fire.

Here’s what no one tells you about Endo and Adeno: they’re not just gynaecological conditions. They’re full-body invasions. They affect your mind, your heart, your energy, your ability to exist in the world as you once did. The pain travels beyond the womb — into your hips, back, thighs. Your body changes. Your sleep disappears. Your clothes no longer fit, and neither does your old life.

You walk around with a belly that makes strangers think you’re pregnant and a fatigue that makes people think you’re lazy. You cry, you rage, you go numb. And all the while, people question if your pain is even real.

In workplaces, you’re watched closely — one misstep, one day off, and they’ll write you off, too. Because apparently, pain that doesn't show up on paper must not exist.

But here’s what they forget: Endo isn’t my fault. And anyone, including them, could wake up one day in a body that no longer follows the rules.

Placeholder for Image 2: – “Close-up of a serene bedroom with soft lighting, symbolizing comfort.”

Creating a calm space for healing.

Finding Support: Community and Resources

One of the most crucial aspects of my journey has been discovering a supportive community. Endometriosis can feel isolating. However, connecting with others who share similar struggles has been life-changing. Online forums, such as Endometriosis Network and social media groups, provide safe spaces for individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.

In addition, I made it a priority to educate myself about endometriosis. I read books like “Endometriosis: A Key to Healing Through Nutrition” and attended local workshops. This commitment to learning empowered me to advocate for my health more effectively, enabling me to engage with healthcare providers confidently.

Holistic Approaches: Exploring Treatment Options

While conventional treatments, such as pain medications and hormonal therapies, can alleviate some symptoms, they aren’t a cure for endometriosis. Throughout my treatment journey, I learned the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating lifestyle changes to enhance my well-being.

Dietary adjustments had a significant impact. I embraced an anti-inflammatory diet, focusing on whole foods while reducing processed items. For example, I began including more fruits and vegetables—aiming for at least 5 servings a day. Regular exercise, including yoga and daily walks, helped me manage both stress and physical symptoms more effectively.

Placeholder for Image 3: – “High angle view of a rustic kitchen table filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, promoting health and wellness.”

Nourishing the body with healthy foods.

Opening the Conversation: Advocacy and Awareness

As I navigated my endometriosis journey, I felt a strong desire to raise awareness about the condition. Advocacy plays a vital role in ensuring more women receive proper diagnoses and support. Conversations surrounding endometriosis must be normalized to diminish stigma and empower others to seek help.

Sharing my story through platforms like this blog allows me to contribute to the growing discourse surrounding endometriosis. By shedding light on this often-invisible condition, I hope to inspire others to express their experiences and encourage healthcare providers to take women’s pain seriously.

Looking Forward: Embracing the Future

Currently, my journey with endometriosis continues. While there are challenges ahead, I remain hopeful and resilient. Embracing the ups and downs of my condition has taught me the importance of self-compassion and persistence.

I have learned that while endometriosis is part of my story, it does not define who I am. I look forward with optimism, equipped with knowledge and support, ready to embrace what lies ahead.

So, to all the commentators, the passive-aggressive critics, and the ones who love to whisper:

“To the backseat critics of my life — kindly focus on your own steering wheel.”

This is my story — not just of illness, but of becoming. And I’ll continue to live it out loud.

Placeholder for Image 4: – “Eye-level view of a tranquil landscape with soft sunlight peeking through trees, symbolizing hope and peace.”

Finding peace in nature amid health challenges.

Moving Forward Together

Navigating the journey of endometriosis can be daunting, but it is a path shared by many. By sharing our stories and experiences, we build a community founded on support, understanding, and resilience.

Whether you are just starting to navigate this journey or have been walking the path for years, remember that you are not alone. Together, we can raise awareness, advocate for better treatment options, and illuminate the unseen challenges of endometriosis.

Let’s keep the conversation alive and ensure our voices are heard. The world needs to understand the realities of living with endometriosis, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.