Endometriosis Awareness Month is celebrated every March and is designed to raise awareness for women who suffer with the disease across the globe.
The latest figures show one in 10 women suffer with endometriosis – a chronic disease that causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside of the uterus. The condition, which currently has no cure, can cause severe pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods and even infertility. What’s more, symptoms of endometriosis can appear as early as a women’s first period and can last until the menopause.
Against this backdrop, leading charity The Endometriosis Association founded Endometriosis Awareness Month in 1993 and it’s been taking place every March since. However, despite running for the last 32 years, there is no where near enough work being done to support individuals living with the illness.
For example, last month we reported on new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which found women in England with endometriosis are more likely to take lower-paid jobs or quit working altogether.
However, there are people/organisations willing to help and share their story. In this video, which was produced by UK Parliament, Kathryn shares her experience of living with endometriosis and the long, hard efforts it took to finally feel heard.
Kathryn’s story has been previously read out in the House of Commons by Alec Shelbrooke MP during his Parliamentary debate on how workplaces can support women living with the condition.
In association with Endometriosis Awareness Month, the charity Endometriosis UK established Endometriosis Action Month which is also running all throughout March. This year’s theme is ‘endometriosis explained’ and the charity are hosting a number of events on their website to raise awareness. These include providing a space for individuals to share their stories, should they feel willing, and hosting a webinar which includes medical experts and is taking place tonight at 7pm. You can book your registration here.
