The Endometriosis 2023 Global Patient Symposium

The Endometriosis 2023 Global Patient Symposium, organized by the Endometriosis Foundation of America, took place at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York last weekend.  

The two-day symposium was jam-packed with informative presentations and panel discussions by specialists and patients. 

The aim of the symposium is to provide women with a platform to express their feelings and share their most intimate experiences in a safe environment. 

Day 1

Dr. Tamer Seckin himself then took the stage and described the “Emerging Facts and Unchanging Truths” about the disease. 

A panel discussion about the different types of endometriosis followed Dr. Seckin’s presentation. Here, three amazing women shared their stories and talked about their journeys with the disease. 

The next panel focused on legal and HR protections for people with endometriosis. Panelists Laurie Berke-Weiss, JD, Alex Berke, JD, and Rosa Aliberti, JD, discussed women’s rights regarding the disease. Topics included disability, time off, and workplace accommodations. 

Sydney Faith Rose, a therapist, consultant, and workshop facilitator, then presented various ways to manage the social and emotional impact of endometriosis.

One of the day’s highlights was Rachel Gross’s presentation. Rachel is an award-winning journalist and the author of the highly acclaimed book Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage. She talked about the stigma around the female body and how women’s sexual organs have been misdescribed throughout time.

The day carried on with a presentation about egg freezing and endometriosis by the Manhattan fertility specialist Dr. Tomer Singer. Daphne Javitch, a Brooklyn-based health coach and educator, followed with the healing power or routine by

The third panel of the day focused on pain management using alternative interventions. These include pelvic floor physiotherapy, acupuncture, and medical cannabis. 

The day drew to a close with a session addressing the impact of endometriosis on sexuality and intimacy for couples by sex therapist Sari Cooper.

Day 2

Day 2 of the Endometriosis 2023 Global Patient Symposium was no less exciting, with presentations by doctors, scientists, and artists.

Melissa Boudreau, an endometriosis advocate, described ways in which women can advocate for themselves. 

Dr. Amanda Chu from the Seckin Endometriosis Center followed her and discussed different options and opinions regarding endometriosis surgery.

Dr. Michael Lewis then took the stage and highlighted the importance of training the next generation of endometriosis physicians.

The day also included a presentation by a researcher, Dr. Semir Beyaz. Dr. Beyaz delved into the science of food and inflammation and how this might affect the endometrium. 

The second half of the day kicked off with a session on new developments in fertility by Dr. Janelle Luk, the medical director of Generation Next Fertility. This was followed by a panel discussion on deciding whether to have a hysterectomy, and another on hormonal balancing, inflammation, and endo belly.  

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