March: Endometriosis Awareness Month

Despite a large number of women it affects and several advances in our understanding and treatment of endometriosis, the disease continues to be largely misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Of course, it is important to understand the cause of the disease. But, it is also important to bring o light the unique experiences of each woman who suffers from debilitating symptoms. March is Endometriosis Awareness month when people dedicate their time to acknowledging the severity of the disease.

There is still a long way to go

A confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis can take up to 10 years. During this time, patients continue to suffer. They often resort to non-allied treatments and care, which only serve to further complicate things. Thus, early awareness and education are key to stalling disease progression.

Endometriosis can affect adolescents and girls as young as school age. More often than not, schools and institutions are not prepared to meet the needs of girls suffering from endometriosis. Lack of awareness among male peers and partners further accentuates the stigma around the disease. Women find that the disease negatively affects their performance and relations suffer both at home and at work. This leads to emotional upheavals that can be difficult to cope with.

Why is it important to raise awareness about endometriosis?

Raising awareness about endometriosis is, therefore, necessary to sensitize both the public and policymakers to effectively devise better, cost-effective treatments.

Each year, the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) and other organizations such as EndoMarch organize various events in March to raise awareness about the disease.

What do we do at Seckin Endometriosis Center?

Each year, we organize a Patient Day event held in March in collaboration with EndoFound. The day covers pertinent aspects of endometriosis including diagnosis, treatment, fertility, and surgery. It includes the experiences of patients and caregivers who have first-hand experience with the disease. This is followed by a Medical Symposium that brings together top clinicians and researchers in endometriosis to present their latest findings.

EndoFound, co-founded by Dr. Tamer Seckin and Padma Lakshmi has been instrumental in spearheading several pathbreaking initiatives. Some of these include Endometriosis Education Program, which highlights endometriosis in adolescents and young adults and raises awareness about viable treatment options like laparoscopic deep excision surgery and the UpEndo Coalition aims to increase disease awareness among the public and policymakers to push for increased funding in endometriosis research.

What can you do to increase endometriosis awareness?

Former Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer who was instrumental in bringing about a historic amendment in Congress to double endometriosis funding strongly promotes self-advocacy. If you are a patient or a caregiver, it is time for you to speak up and make your voice heard.

You could start by joining local support groups. You could also participate in discussions on social media, and make sure to register for this year’s Patient Day event. Finally, you could participate in EndoFound’s Charity Streaming and host your own social media streaming event to spread awareness and raise money for endometriosis.

What will you do this Endometriosis Awareness Month?  Please share your ideas by leaving a comment on our post on Facebook or Instagram.