🌼 Did you know that 1 in 7 women of reproductive age suffers from endometriosis? It's Endometriosis Awareness Month, so let's dive into understanding this condition that impacts millions globally, yet remains shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding.
🔍𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬:
𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲: The challenge of endometriosis extends far beyond painful periods. Endometriosis can profoundly affect mental health, fostering feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. Additionally, the vulnerability required to open up about a condition that's intricately linked to reproductive health is immense, given the societal stigmas surrounding what it means to be a woman. This layered impact underscores the need for a more compassionate and understanding dialogue around women’s health.
𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩: Many people with endometriosis navigate a lengthy and often dismissive healthcare journey, feeling their pain is trivialized by healthcare professionals. This lack of endometriosis competence among doctors, who frequently classify severe menstrual pain as normal, highlights a critical gap in medical understanding and empathy, leading to years of unnecessary suffering before receiving a proper diagnosis.
𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: The need for accessible, accurate information about endometriosis has never been more critical. It empowers individuals to advocate for themselves in a healthcare landscape that often fails to acknowledge or effectively treat their condition. Equipping patients with knowledge enables them to seek the specialized care they require, making informed self-advocacy a pivotal aspect of navigating their treatment journey.
🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨:
One simple yet impactful action we can all take today is to start a conversation about endometriosis in our workplaces and communities. By talking openly, we reduce stigma, encourage understanding, and pave the way for support systems that acknowledge and accommodate the needs of those affected.
Long-term, we must systematically address the challenges of endometriosis. This means creating healthcare services that are truly patient-centered—where treatments are based on comprehensive understanding, where doctors are well-informed about endometriosis, and where patients feel heard and supported. It involves designing information systems that are easily accessible and understandable, ensuring everyone can find the help they need when they need it.
Flouria - Women's Health Platform & Organisational Support 🩺📱
3moSo grateful to these incredible women for their vulnerability, insights and stories! 😍 💜