“Having struggled with Endometriosis myself and all the symptoms it
brings for the last 15 years, I wanted to shed light on the similar
struggles those also affected by the disease have to endure. Like many
others, I felt alone while trying to seek help and figure out what was
happening. After a conversation with a friend dealing with the disease I
had never heard about prior, I finally felt validated and learned the
importance of sharing our experiences. It often times feels like nobody
will listen or not fully grasp the extent of how much Endometriosis
impacts our lives and being able to give people an outlet while using my
skill set as a photographer felt like the right thing to do. I hope that
this project will help those with Endo feel seen, heard, and that their
story is worth sharing.”
The Endo Project
There is something incredibly powerful about being truly seen. Photographer and artist Jackie Hall is helping make that happen through The Endo Project — a moving photography and storytelling initiative focused on the lived experiences of those affected by endometriosis.
Created to increase awareness, visibility, and understanding around this disease, the project shines a light on both the challenges and resilience within the endometriosis community. Through intimate portraits and personal interviews, The Endo Project creates space for honest conversations about pain, dismissal, strength, isolation, and hope.
As Jackie explains:
“I want to both acknowledge the incredible struggle that is involved and how much it impacts our lives but to also create hope and make others feel seen.”
At Endometriosis Canada, this message deeply resonates with our mission. Too many people still grow up believing severe period pain is “normal,” or feel unheard when they try to seek help. Projects like this help break stigma and remind people they are not alone.
About the Project
-
Volunteer-based portrait sessions and interviews
-
Photoshoots currently taking place in Kingston, Ontario
-
Open to interview submissions from individuals in any location
-
Hair and makeup support provided by Addison’s House of Hair
-
Focused on authentic lived experiences and awareness
Interested in Participating?
You can learn more or submit your story here:
Participate in The Endo Project
Featured Stories
Two powerful stories already shared through the project include:
Thank you to Jackie and everyone participating in this beautiful project for helping make the invisible visible.
From our Aussie Warrior!
The Endo Girls Club was created by endo warrior Rachel as a fun, supportive space for anyone navigating life with endometriosis. From relatable posts and honest conversations to awareness, laughs, and real talk about chronic illness, Rachel has built a community where endo warriors can connect, feel understood, and remind each other that they’re definitely not alone in this.
Calling all athletes living with endometriosis!
Researchers at the University of Alberta are looking to better understand the experiences of women athletes navigating sport and endometriosis.
This study will explore the realities of training, competing, pain, diagnosis, and balancing athletic performance while living with Endo.
Participants will take part in virtual interviews over a 6-week period, with flexibility and confidentiality prioritized throughout the study.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, or you know someone in the athletic community who may want to participate, please reach out to:
📧 ssteadma@ualberta.ca
Thank you to Sage Steadman & Dr. Margo Adam for helping bring more awareness and research to the lived experiences of Endo warriors in sport.
The Ogata Lab’s
Rethink Menstrual Blood Study
Researchers at The Ogata Lab are currently looking for participants for the Rethink Menstrual Blood Study, an exciting research initiative exploring how menstrual blood may help advance medical diagnostics and menstrual health research.
For far too long, menstrual health has been overlooked in research spaces. Studies like this are helping push conversations — and science — forward.
Participant Information
✨ Participants must be 18+
✨ No prior menstrual cup experience is required
✨ Participants will be provided with a menstrual cup
✨ Participants will be asked to wear the cup for 3–4 hours
✨ Sampling kits can be picked up, used, and returned at your convenience
✨ Samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of collection at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus
📧 Interested participants can contact:
ogatalab@utoronto.ca
At Endometriosis Canada, we are always excited to spotlight research helping improve understanding, diagnostics, and innovation in menstrual and reproductive health.
Participation Involves:
Wearing a menstrual cup for 3–4 hours
Contact: ogatalab@utoronto.ca
Researchers hope this work will help improve understanding of menstrual health and contribute to future diagnostic advancements for conditions like endometriosis and other gynecological diseases.
At Endometriosis Canada, we know how important research like this is. For far too long, menstrual health has been underfunded and under-researched. Studies like this help move conversations — and science — forward.
Help Shape the Future of Pain Care for Teens
Researchers from Concordia University and BHI Lab are developing a new app focused on improving pain communication for teens living with chronic illness and chronic pain — and they want to hear directly from the community.
This research aims to better understand the real experiences, needs, and challenges faced by teens, caregivers, and healthcare providers when it comes to communicating pain and accessing care.
Who Can Participate?
✨ Teens (13–19) living with chronic illness & chronic pain
✨ Parents/caregivers of teens with chronic illness & chronic pain
✨ Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners)
✨ Must be living in Canada 🇨🇦
✨ Able to read and speak English
What’s Involved?
A 20–30 minute online survey
Entry to win 1 of 5 $100 Amazon gift cards
At Endometriosis Canada, we know how difficult it can be for young people to explain chronic pain — especially when symptoms are minimized or misunderstood. Research like this has the potential to help future generations feel more heard, validated, and supported.
We’re sharing a new research opportunity for those who experience pain with sex, tampon insertion, or related pelvic pain symptoms. This online anonymous study is being supported by the Sexual Health Research Laboratory at Queen’s University and aims to help improve how pain and difficulties during sex are assessed.
Participate in a Research Study: Pain During Sex Survey
The Sexual Health Research Laboratory at Queen’s University is helping recruit participants for a study on the development and validation of a digital questionnaire to assess difficulties and pain during sex.
The study is focused on validating the English version of the questionnaire, called PenPainQ.
Participants will complete two anonymous online surveys:
The first survey takes approximately 40 minutes, and a second shorter survey will be sent by email approximately four weeks later, taking about 10 minutes.
Who can participate?
You may be eligible if you are:
-
At least 18 years old
-
Female or a person with female anatomical sex classification
-
Someone who experiences pain or difficulty with tampon insertion, pelvic exams, or sex
Participation is online and anonymous.
Study link:
https://www.soscisurvey.de/PenPainQ_2/?q=Gesamt
Questions?
For questions about the study, contact:
This study has received ethical approval through Philipps University Marburg. Endometriosis Canada has requested ethics documentation before sharing widely.
National Study: Endometriosis Care in Canada
You may be eligible if you are 18+, live in Canada, have confirmed or suspected endometriosis, speak English or French, and are willing to complete a 60–90 minute interview by Zoom or phone.
Participants will complete a short screening survey and interview. Evening and weekend options are available. A $50 thank-you honorarium is provided after the interview.
Your story can help improve endometriosis care and reduce delays across Canada.
To participate or learn more, contact:
fregers@mcmaster.ca
Reviewed by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board #19171.
The Happy Pelvis
Pelvic health support, education, and advocacy
The Happy Pelvis, founded by Michelle, is a Canadian pelvic health platform supporting people living with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder pain syndrome, and other pelvic health conditions.
Through lived experience and peer navigation, Michelle helps patients feel more prepared, less alone, and more confident advocating for themselves.
The Happy Pelvis shares helpful resources, education, blog posts, podcast conversations, and support tools for those navigating pelvic health challenges.
Out From Under: Stories of Endometriosis
A short documentary by filmmaker and endometriosis patient Prisca Edwards
Out From Under highlights the experiences of six people living with endometriosis, using art and open conversation to share the impact of the disease and the power of community.
The film is a meaningful reminder of why patients deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.
Endometriosis Canada was proud to support Out From Under through a virtual screening and panel discussion.
_edited.jpg)
Below the Belt
A powerful documentary about endometriosis and the fight to be heard
Below the Belt, directed by Shannon Cohn, follows four people living with endometriosis as they search for answers, care, and validation.
The film highlights the challenges many patients face, including delayed diagnosis, dismissal, gender bias, and barriers to proper treatment. It is an important reminder that endometriosis is not “just a bad period” and that patients deserve timely, informed, and compassionate care.