March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. It is a worldwide initiative with the aimĀ to increase awareness of the symptoms of Endometriosis, a condition which affects aroundĀ 176 millionĀ women around the world.
Endometriosis is defined by theĀ NHSĀ asĀ āa condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places.āĀ It is a long-term condition that can have huge impacts on a personās life, with one of the biggestĀ problems that sufferers of Endometriosis face being infertility and/or difficulty getting pregnant.
According toĀ Endometriosis UK,Ā the main symptoms include: chronic pain, fatigue, sexual problems, inability to conceive and depression/isolation.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is incredibly important because the condition can takeĀ a long time to be diagnosed. Symptoms are often similar to a number of other conditions and it is often overlooked by doctors.
A third year BioMed student at the University of Manchester told Her Campus:Ā āI was sent to loads of doctors, mostly who were men. They all treated me very poorly claiming it was just a āheavy periodā. The doctors wonāt do anything until it is really bad.ā
The magnitude of the effects of Endometriosis on its sufferers is ignored by many. Here at HC Manchester we hope to join the campaign in raising awareness for the disorder.Ā
On March 23rd, Endometriosis UK is hosting the sixth annual World WideEndo March UK in London. You can alsoĀ dontate to Endometriosis UK and get involved with working for the charity on their website.