Endometriosis Awareness Month
1 in 10 women have endometriosis. The average diagnostic delay in India is 7–10 years. Let's shorten it.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 42 million Indian women. Symptoms — debilitating period pain, painful sex, fatigue, infertility — are routinely told to "be normal". The 7-to-10-year diagnostic delay is the single biggest contributor to outcomes. The cure for that delay is awareness + better gynaec access — both of which SHELY is uniquely positioned to deliver.
Three things we ship in March
Symptom checker
A clinically-reviewed 12-item flow in Care that produces a "consider speaking to a gynaec" recommendation + specialist list when red flags hit.
Specialist directory
Verified gynaecologists trained in laparoscopic excision, filterable by city. Built from SHELY Doctor + manual curation.
Patient stories
14 short audio stories from real women — what they were told, what was missed, what finally worked. Played in Sakhi.
March calendar
- Mar 1Yellow up
Yellow-ribbon Doodle on shely.health. WhatsApp opt-in.
- Mar 8IWD overlap
Joint card with International Women's Day campaign — "this March we name what wasn't named".
- Mar 15Specialist drop
Verified directory goes live in Care.
- Mar 31Wrap
Sakhi AMA with three patient advocates + a laparoscopic surgeon.
Common questions
What is endometriosis vs normal cramps?
Endometriosis is tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus. The pain is usually severe enough to interrupt school, work, or daily life — and often comes with painful sex, painful bowel movements during periods, or fatigue. Normal cramps respond to a heat pad and basic painkillers; endometriosis pain often does not.
Who diagnoses it?
A gynaecologist — ideally one trained in endometriosis (many are not). Ultrasound and MRI can suggest it; only laparoscopy confirms it. Use the Care directory at /care/care-team to find a specialist.
Can I still get pregnant?
Yes, in most cases — though endometriosis can make it harder. Many women with endometriosis conceive naturally; others need fertility support. The earlier you are diagnosed, the more options you have. Talk to your clinician.
Is there a cure?
No cure yet, but excellent management: hormonal therapy, pain management, and laparoscopic excision surgery for severe cases. Symptoms often improve dramatically after menopause. Many women lead full lives with the right care plan.
For nine years three doctors told me my pain was normal. I took the SHELY symptom check on a whim — it flagged endometriosis. Six weeks later, laparoscopy confirmed it. I cried with relief.
Keep going
This campaign is one nudge. Here's where it leads on SHELY.
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Related campaigns
World Contraception Day
Every method, every side effect, in plain language — so the choice is yours, not the chemist's.
PCOS Awareness Month
PCOS is the most common hormone disorder in women — and the most misdiagnosed. September we put it on the map.
World Menopause Day
Menopause is not a disease. It is also not silence. India has 100 million women in or past menopause and almost no resources for them.