Gender-Diverse People & Endometriosis

WELCOME

You are not alone

Endometriosis doesn’t only affect women – and our support shouldn’t either.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can affect trans men, non-binary people, gender-diverse individuals, and anyone assigned female at birth (AFAB). But too often, healthcare, research, and support systems are built for cisgender women only leaving many people feeling unseen, invalidated, and excluded from care.

At ACE, we believe every person deserves inclusive, safe, and affirming support. That’s why we’ve created this dedicated space.

If you’re gender-diverse and living with endo, pelvic pain, or related conditions, you might have faced:

  • Misgendering in healthcare settings

  • Gendered language that erases your experience

  • Discomfort during pelvic exams or surgical conversations

  • A lack of research or resources that reflect your identity

  • Being told “you’re not the typical endo patient

GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTH INFORMATION

Language that reflects your identity, not just your anatomy

Endometriosis can affect anyone with a uterus, yet much of the information and support available still frames it as a "women's condition." This leaves many people feeling invisible or unsafe when seeking care.

At ACE, we believe everyone deserves access to health information that respects and affirms who they are—not just the body parts they have. That includes trans men, non-binary people, gender-diverse folks, and all people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

We know that affirming language can be life-changing—and lifesaving.

YOU MATTER

Why Gender-Affirming Health Information Matters

When health information assumes all people with endometriosis are women:

  • It contributes to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

  • It creates unsafe or dysphoric healthcare environments

  • It excludes people from research, resources, and support

  • It reinforces stigma and isolation within both LGBTQIA+ and health communities

Everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and provided with care that acknowledges their full identity, not just their anatomy.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE

Inclusive Language Guides

Simple, accessible explanations of how to use inclusive terms like:

  • “People who menstruate”

  • “People living with endometriosis”

  • “Assigned female at birth (AFAB)”

  • “People with uteruses”

You’ll also find examples of how to replace outdated or gendered language in medical settings, research materials, and support group discussions.

We work closely with lived experience advocates and gender-diverse clinicians to ensure content is relevant and respectful.

TOOLS AND PRINTABLES

Provider Conversation Tools

These tools are designed to put power back in your hands when navigating systems that may not always get it right.

A downloadable "Communicating My Identity in Healthcare" one-pager

A Glossary of Inclusive Terms to bring to appointments

Questions to ask your doctor to ensure they’re affirming and informed

Tips for navigating misgendering or being dismissed in appointments

FACT SHEETS

Resources for Clinicians

We also provide information for healthcare professionals who want to better support gender-diverse patients. These cover:

  • Gender-inclusive clinical language

  • Creating culturally and gender-safe clinical spaces

  • How to ask about pronouns and gender respectfully

  • Common mistakes to avoid (and how to recover when you make them)

You can direct your provider here or download a guide to bring with you to appointments.