Endometriosis UK states that currently, 1 in 10 women are impacted by this complex condition. With so many females affected, you’d assume that there would be a much wider knowledge of its symptoms, impact, and available treatments – but sadly, that’s not the case.
Improving understanding and raising general awareness is key for everyone: from healthcare practitioners to sufferers, their families, partners, and friends.
Let’s explore all this a little more.
Understanding endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when cells normally found in the lining of the uterus are discovered elsewhere in the body. These cells behave in the same way they would in the womb, and so every month they break down and bleed.
However, this bleeding can’t leave the body in the same way menstrual blood does, and so it builds up. This causes pain, inflammation, endometrial cysts (endometriomas), scar tissue, and even the fusing of internal organs.
Why does this happen? This is still a bit of a mystery. However, there are a few theories.
- Genetic predisposition: Supports endometriosis being passed from generation to generation – and that this makes some women more predisposed to it.
- Retrograde menstruation: This is when some of the menstrual blood flows backward and ends up in the fallopian tubes and abdomen. It then implants itself on the pelvis and other organs, causing inflammation and pain.
- Circulation and lymphatic drainage: It’s thought that endometrial cells can sometimes enter the bloodstream. This accounts for the fact that endometriosis has been found in the eyes, brain, and nasal cavity.
- Immune system irregularities: Some women with the condition have reduced immunity – meaning their immune systems simply can’t attack the cells when they move around the body.
Here are just a few of the symptoms of endometriosis:
- Chronic pain (not just with period, but throughout the month)
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Pain when weeing
- Pain when opening bowels
- IBS symptoms: bloating, pain, gas, constipation, and diarrhoea
- Problems trying to conceive
- Pain when having sex
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Ovulation pain
The impact on women’s lives can be overwhelming: not just from having the condition itself – but from managing the problems it creates with working and socialising during painful flare-ups. As well as dealing with the impact it has on personal relationships.
Early detection is key, but for a lot of women, it can be a long journey. It is estimated to take on average between 8-10 years to gain an official diagnosis. Many women are misdiagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome for years before endometriosis is detected.
When is endometriosis awareness month?
Endometriosis month takes place from 1st to 31st March 2024.
PHP will be supporting the cause and we’d encourage you to be part of it too. Whether it’s a share of this post on social media – a donation to an Endometriosis Charity or opening up and telling people about your journey with the condition.
It’s the perfect opportunity to make your voice heard using the hashtags #endometriosisawarenessmonth #endoaware and #PHPsupportsendometriosisawarenessmonthuk
Significance of Endometriosis Awareness Month
The March Endometriosis Awareness Month was established in 1993 by the Endometriosis Association – and it has grown rapidly into an international cause.
Seen anyone sporting a yellow ribbon about this time of year? Then they’re supporting the cause. Yellow is the colour that became associated with the condition way back in 1980.
With endometriosis affecting as many as 176 million women worldwide, it’s an illness that has far-reaching impacts, but one that is still misunderstood.
The goals and objectives of Endo Awareness Month are to ensure that diagnosis is quicker, treatments more effective, and that the general public become more empathetic towards sufferers. After all, it’s so much more than just ‘bad period pain’.
PHP's commitment to endometriosis
What about the team here at PHP? Well, we’re committed to helping reduce the stigma associated with endometriosis and other associated gynaecological conditions.
Women’s health issues can often get neglected – and this needs to change. That’s why our tailored healthcare services put patients at the very heart of their treatment, too.
