March is Endometriosis Action and Awareness Month.

1.5 million UK women and those assigned female at birth are diagnosed with Endometriosis and there are many who have yet to be officially diagnosed.

Endometriosis Action Month is about getting people to come forward to share their valuable stories to peers, colleagues, health professionals and family members, which may eventually lead to a diagnosis/better understanding of the condition.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic illness that impacts daily life. According to the NHS, “Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb/uterus grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes”.

It is a common misconception that Endometriosis is just painful PMS symptoms and that it only impacts the reproductive system. Endometriosis is a full-body disease with a variety of debilitating symptoms and it can even spread to the bowel, bladder and lungs – in fact, Endometriosis has been found in every organ and anatomical structure in the body!.

Endometriosis is more than just ‘a painful period’. Endometriosis can cause significant pain outside of the menstrual cycle. As there is no known cure, there are a variety of ‘treatments’ that can help reduce symptoms and pain, but as most people who suffer Endometriosis can tell you, they are sometimes not very effective.

Why is Endometriosis Action and Awareness Important?

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth have Endometriosis, yet it takes an average of 7.5 years to diagnose in England and 9 years in Wales.

There has been considerable health disparities and inequalities faced by women and those assigned female at birth worldwide. Medical knowledge and research has ignored women’s health conditions for years, leaving women (especially women of colour) to be consistently misdiagnosed and unheard.

Endometriosis has a massive impact on a person’s mental health. Misdiagnosis, lack of treatment, care and support, not being believed and symptoms of endometriosis or medical intervention side effects can significantly impact mental health. It is important to be aware of this, especially for friends, family and colleague who you know suffer from Endometriosis and other chronic illnesses.

Knowledge is power and empathy is key to ending the silent suffering of millions of people.

How Can You Help and Get Involved?

  • Trying to use inclusive language such as AFAB and bringing awareness to Endometriosis are two big steps to entrenching Endometriosis in public and medical discourse.
  • Follow/Like Endometriosis UK on social media or subscribe to their emails for updates.
  • Share posts about Endometriosis online, in teams etc to spread awareness.
  • Create safe-spaces in the workplace for colleagues. This can include inclusive language, added support and understanding, workplace adjustments (known as ‘reasonable’ adjustments) and being an active listener.
  • Write to your local MP (Member of Parliament) or MS (Member of Senedd) about Endometriosis diagnosis times and the lack of Endometriosis treatment/provision in the UK.
  • Attend online webinars.

Useful Resources and Source Information:

If you require support with the impact of Endometriosis or anything else discussed in the article, please contact Student Services: studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511550.

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