Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, and is estimated to affect more than 5.5 million women in North America alone. For many women who have endometriosis, the disease means suffering from chronic and debilitating pain. In addition, endometriosis is one of the top three causes of female infertility, which affects 30% to 40% of endometriosis sufferers.

Endometriosis occurs when cells normally found in the lining of the uterus become implanted in other abdominal areas, such as a woman's ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestine. The misplaced tissue develops into growths, sometimes called implants or lesions. These lesions respond to the menstrual cycle the same way that the tissue of the uterus does—by swelling and then breaking down each month, resulting in cramps and irritation of the surrounding tissue during the menstrual cycle.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus. They are common in women—occurring in at least 20% of women over the age of 35. Many women who have fibroids are not even aware of them because they do not cause problems. Other women can experience unusually heavy menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, sudden or long-lasting pain, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. Excessive bleeding from uterine fibroids may lead to anemia from a shortage of iron in the blood and can make a woman feel tired or sick.

Fortunately, effective treatments are available that can help women who suffer from endometriosis or uterine fibroids, and these treatments can help women find relief from the symptoms of these conditions.

TAP is committed to developing treatments and providing resources for women who suffer from these conditions.