TAMPA — Zookeeper and conservationist Bindi Irwin recently shared her struggle with endometriosis.

The disorder is when tissue grows outside the uterine lining. It can compromise other organs, leading to excruciating pain. Irwin posted on her public media platform that she suffered in silence for 10 years.

We're hearing from people in the Tampa Bay area, in hopes more women know they are not alone.

30-year-old Elise Santora is marking one year since surgery for endometriosis. For more than two years, she didn't know what was wrong.

"The pain monthly was so intense it really impacted every part of my life, and it kind of continued to be a constant pain, kind of a chronic pain all the time," said Santora.

Elise was told it could be IBS, even told it was part of dealing with her monthly cycle.

"No one should have to live in that level of pain and just kind of be expected to deal with it," said Santora.

Elise was finally diagnosed with endometriosis. Dr. Emad Mikhail, Chief of Gynecology at Tampa General Hospital, was her doctor. He says the condition can lead to a lot of pain and infertility.

"Pain can be pain with periods, can be pain without periods, can be pain with intimacy, can be pain with bowel movements, pain with urination," explained Mikhail.

The Associate Professor at the University of South Florida also says diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult.

"A lot of patients have a disease that cannot be seen on imaging studies," said Mikhail.

"The lesions are usually endometrial glands and connective tissue and a whole lot of fibrosis can invade (the) organ," Mikhail explained.

When it is detected, surgery is one option. So are hormone therapies and pain management.

Elise's surgery took nine hours.

"The endometriosis really infiltrated a lot more than we expected," said Elise.

One year later, her prognosis is good.

"I’m feeling amazing, I feel very fortunate that my healing journey was very smooth," said Elise.

Unsure about fertility, she shared good news.

"I’m expecting a little girl this July, which is very exciting."

Sharing exciting news, sharing her story, hoping other women know they are not alone.

Symptoms: (Source: Mayo Clinic)

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
• Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
• Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
• Infertility. Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
• Other signs and symptoms. You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.