In this video, Dr. Orady dispels common myths surrounding endometriosis. She provides a straightforward outline for those living with endometriosis to better understand their condition, including causes of endometriosis, sources of endo pain, the role of "the pill," and also clarifies misunderstanding about hysterectomies.

Do you have a question that you'd like Dr. Orady to answer? Want guidance on what to ask your doctor regarding endometriosis? Post in comments below.

Dr. Mona Orady is currently the director of robotic surgery services at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, California, practicing minimally invasive gynecological surgery at Dignity Medical Foundation. Her expertise is in complex surgery, menstrual disorders, fibroids, and endometriosis. She also cares for more specialized gynecology patients with pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vulvar disorders, and pediatric gynecological conditions. Read full bio.

Here are some recent conversations from members on MyEndometriosisTeam:

• "Yesterday was a pretty bad day. I was having a bowel episode and actually became sick while on the toilet. My GI symptoms are really worsening. It use to be just while on my period but is now happening the week leading up to my period."
• "I've tried countless treatment options and laparoscopies.... including a partial hysterectomy that a former surgeon suggested as the GOLD STANDARD of pain relief. What a joke that was. So here we are, still dealing with the immense pain and sometimes inability to physically function."
• "Today I remembered why I started with birth control in the first place. My periods are so painful I can't drive and it so painful I can't even sit. I started with the pill because of my pain and later the gynecologist found the endometriosis. I really hoped that with the endometriosis gone I can have a normal life without pain and without the need to take birth control just because of the pain I have when I'm on my period. But looks like the chances of that happening is very slim."

Here are some question and answer threads on MyEndometriosisTeam:

• What else can I do if I can't take the birth control pill?
• Has anyone experienced very, very severe pain on opening bowels during their period?
• Bowel movements painful before and after? Why does it happen with endo?