Irish EndoMarch 2023 Takes Place in Dublin on March 26th
Team Ireland Lead, Kathleen King, announces the Irish EndoMarch 2023, in conjunction with the WorldWide Endomarch, will take place on Sunday, March 26th, at St Anne's Park in Raheny, Dublin. The event is a 5km walk to raise awareness of endometriosis and bring together those living with the condition.
The Irish EndoMarch 2023 is a powerful opportunity for people affected by endometriosis to come together and show their strength, as well as support and advocate for change. The walk is designed to educate the public about this debilitating condition and promote a better understanding of the struggles that people with endometriosis face every day.
“Endometriosis is a chronic and often misdiagnosed condition that affects millions of women worldwide,” said Kathleen King, Team Ireland Lead. “The Irish EndoMarch 2023 is a way to bring awareness to this condition and help those living with endometriosis feel less isolated and more connected to others in their community.”
The walk will start at St Anne's Park, Raheny, Dublin, with assembly at 12:30 PM and the walk starting at 1:00 PM. All are welcome to join, and registration is now open at
https://EndoMarch2023.eventbrite.ie
For further information about the Irish EndoMarch 2023, please contact Kathleen King at endomarch.ireland@gmail.com
About Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a widespread and persistent issue that affects a vast number of individuals globally. This condition is characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the endometrium in various parts of the body and can result in severe pain, difficulties with fertility, and other health issues. Despite the widespread impact and the intense discomfort it causes to women, endometriosis is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to a significant
delay in treatment and a lower quality of life for those suffering from it.
https://endometriosis.org/
About Endometriosis in Ireland:
The exact number of people with endometriosis in Ireland is not known, as the condition can be difficult to diagnose and there may be individuals who have not yet received a diagnosis. It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women (approximately 176,000 to 250,000)
in Ireland.
The average delay to diagnosis in Ireland is 9 years, with many waiting years to access surgery and often travelling outside of Ireland for specialist surgery. The societal impact of endometriosis is significant, as it can result in a substantial economic burden due to lost work productivity and healthcare costs. In addition, endometriosis can have a profound personal impact, including severe pain, infertility, and compromised mental health.
According to Kathleen King, Endometriosis Advocate, "Endometriosis is an invisible disease that can have a devastating impact on a woman's quality of life." She further explains that the condition is often misdiagnosed or dismissed, leading to delayed treatment and unnecessary suffering.
The costs associated with endometriosis in Ireland can be substantial, both for the individual and for society as a whole. In addition to the direct costs of medical care, endometriosis can result in lost wages, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare utilisation. The cost to the Irish economy and health service has not been assessed to date.
The personal impact of endometriosis can be profound, with many women experiencing severe pain, fatigue, and mental health issues. The condition can also have a significant impact on fertility, with up to 50% of women with endometriosis experiencing difficulties getting pregnant. In addition, the stigma surrounding menstrual health can result in feelings of isolation and shame for those with endometriosis.
Overall, endometriosis has a significant impact on the lives of women in Ireland, and more needs to be done to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected by the condition. A dedicated multidisciplinary centre is required to improve care for those living with endometriosis in Ireland.
Improved Diagnosis: A multidisciplinary centre would assemble an expert group from diverse backgrounds, encompassing gynaecologists, radiologists, pain management specialists, pelvic physiotherapists, and surgeons. This collaboration would result in a precise identification of endometriosis, leading to a prompt and accurate diagnosis for patients and reducing the requirement for multiple surgeries and procedures.
Coordinated Care: A multidisciplinary centre would allow for seamless coordination of care, with all members of the team working together to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan. This would minimise the current issues faced by those with endometriosis and reduce the risk of miscommunication, ensuring that patients receive the best possible
care.
Access to Expertise: A multidisciplinary centre would bring together a team of specialists with a wealth of experience and expertise in endometriosis. Patients would have access to the latest treatments and technologies, as well as the expertise of specialists who are up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field. It would also allow for Irish research teams to recruit participants and generate new research potential.
Improved Quality of Life: A multidisciplinary centre would provide a comprehensive approach to care, including pain management and support for emotional and psychological well-being. This would help to improve the quality of life for patients with endometriosis, reducing the impact of the condition on their daily lives. It would reduce the delay to diagnosis, reduce the need for women to travel outside of Ireland for treatment and improve not only the health outcomes, but also the fertility outcomes of those availing of the services.
According to Kathleen King, it is imperative for both the medical community and society as a whole to give endometriosis the attention it deserves. It is crucial to listen to the experiences of individuals living with endometriosis in Ireland and to have faith in women's accounts.
About WorldWide EndoMarch:
The WorldWide EndoMarch is a global movement to raise awareness about endometriosis and advocate for change. The organisation was founded in 2013 and has since grown to include EndoMarches in cities all over the world. The goal of the WorldWide EndoMarch is to improve the lives of those affected by endometriosis by educating the public and promoting better understanding of this debilitating condition.
https://endomarch.org/
About Kathleen King:
Kathleen King is a well-known advocate for endometriosis, having lived with the condition herself. With over 25 years of experience as a volunteer, she has made significant contributions to the field through support, advocacy and work with organisations such as the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, World Endometriosis Organisation and the ESHRE Endometriosis Guidelines Review group. Kathleen's research on the use of the internet for endometriosis has further established her reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated
advocate. Her personal connection to the condition has motivated her to raise awareness and support those affected by endometriosis, inspiring others to join her in this mission.
Contact: Kathleen King
Team Ireland Lead
endomarch.ireland@gmail.com