Endometriosis Association

The Endometriosis Association is a non-profit, self-help organization dedicated to providing education, support, and research for girls and women with endometriosis and their loved ones. Endometriosis is a hormone and immune system disease affecting approximately 5.5 million girls and women in North America. The name comes from the word endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus that builds up and sheds each month with the menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, tissue like that of the endometrium occurs outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility and disability in women. Several other immune diseases and some forms of cancers are more common in women with endometriosis. The flagship of the association’s research program is the Endometriosis Association Research Program at Vanderbilt University. The association publishes books, brochures, video and audiotapes and CDs, and provides support programs including crisis call listeners and local support groups.