1st MAY 2024
Introducing Endometriosis UK
Our priority at Lumity for Women's Health Week this year is to provide our community with both physical and emotional nourishment. As part of this, we have chosen to spotlight an organisation committed to making a difference in an underserved area of women's health: endometriosis. That's why we're highlighting Endometriosis UK's work in supporting those diagnosed with endometriosis and de-stigmatise their experiences in relationships, work and society.
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
With endometriosis, these cells react to the menstrual cycle each month, and can also cause bleeding. However, as there is no way for the blood to leave the body, the process creates inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including: chronic pain, fatigue/lack of energy, depression/isolation, problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships, issues with conceiving, and difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments.
Some Quick Numbers on Endometriosis...
- 1 in 10 women and those assigned female of birth of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis.*
- 10% of women world wide have endometriosis - that’s 176 million worldwide.*
- The prevalence of endometriosis in women with infertility can be as high as to 30–50%.*
- Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK.*
- Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth, a similar number of those affected by diabetes.*
- On average it takes 8 years from onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis.*
- Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work and healthcare costs.*
Having endometriosis can be an isolating experience. The symptoms may have an affect on your social life or relationships; you may even feel as though no one understands. While there is no definite cure, there are a number of treatments and resources available that can alleviate the symptoms as well as provide emotional support, many of which you can find on Endometriosis UK's page.
After consulting with your GP on your symptoms, a good place to start looking for information on treatment is the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) website. The BSGE accredited specialist endometriosis centres have consultants who are specialists in the field of endometriosis. It's important that you and your GP are aligned so that your voice is heard.
Aside from treatment, Endometriosis UK is also an incredible source of community. From support groups, a helpline to their team and an online community chat, Endometriosis UK serves patients across the board, for whatever they may be experiencing in their journey. At Lumity, we aim to raise awareness for their incredible work, and empower any members in our community to lead their lives in a positive light despite some of the hardships they may face with endometriosis.
You can visit Endometriosis UK for more information or support.
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