Endometriosis support needed beyond medical treatments - endOF.org
Endometriosis support needed beyond medical treatments - endOF.org
The Issue
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, over 1.5M women in the UK.
It is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The symptoms vary in their range and intensity but include physical pain, infertility (up to 50% of women) and mental health issues, as a direct result of the condition.
While treatments can help manage the symptoms, there is no cure and in many cases, the condition has a devastating effect on a woman's mental health and her family, social and professional life.
Most people - women, transgender men and non-binary - living with endometriosis have to resort to medical treatments to manage their condition, help minimise their pain and protect their fertility.
The NHS website lists the following treatments: pain killers, hormone medicines and contraceptives, surgery and even a hysterectomy.
Some of these treatments can be extremely invasive because of side effects or long-term consequences on a sufferer’s life.
I am the founder of endOF.org, a charity that supports people living with chronic pain.
I was diagnosed 18 years after my symptoms started. The first 4 years after my diagnosis, I underwent 5 surgeries and was prescribed numerous hormonal treatments including a chemical menopause to try and suppress my symptoms. Unfortunately, nothing helped.
Since the age of 12, I’ve had to visit to A & E many times, I had dozens of ultrasounds and physical examination and saw hundreds of doctors, generalists, specialists and consultants.
Not once was I asked if I was all right and coping: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Not once was I offered mental health support.
Not once was I given advice on how to better live with endometriosis. There are many NON-INVASIVE ways to help ourselves, manage our chronic pain and improve our quality of life: anti-inflammatory diets, physical activity, relaxation, meditation, supplements, sleep, minimising stress, etc.
We need a REAL CHANGE NOW. We need help finding sustainable ways to live our lives.
WE ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO develop a UK-wide support strategy AND IMPLEMENT AN ACTION PLAN for endometriosis sufferers and their families. WE DEMAND equal access to lifestyle advice and education and to mental health support.
625
The Issue
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, over 1.5M women in the UK.
It is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The symptoms vary in their range and intensity but include physical pain, infertility (up to 50% of women) and mental health issues, as a direct result of the condition.
While treatments can help manage the symptoms, there is no cure and in many cases, the condition has a devastating effect on a woman's mental health and her family, social and professional life.
Most people - women, transgender men and non-binary - living with endometriosis have to resort to medical treatments to manage their condition, help minimise their pain and protect their fertility.
The NHS website lists the following treatments: pain killers, hormone medicines and contraceptives, surgery and even a hysterectomy.
Some of these treatments can be extremely invasive because of side effects or long-term consequences on a sufferer’s life.
I am the founder of endOF.org, a charity that supports people living with chronic pain.
I was diagnosed 18 years after my symptoms started. The first 4 years after my diagnosis, I underwent 5 surgeries and was prescribed numerous hormonal treatments including a chemical menopause to try and suppress my symptoms. Unfortunately, nothing helped.
Since the age of 12, I’ve had to visit to A & E many times, I had dozens of ultrasounds and physical examination and saw hundreds of doctors, generalists, specialists and consultants.
Not once was I asked if I was all right and coping: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Not once was I offered mental health support.
Not once was I given advice on how to better live with endometriosis. There are many NON-INVASIVE ways to help ourselves, manage our chronic pain and improve our quality of life: anti-inflammatory diets, physical activity, relaxation, meditation, supplements, sleep, minimising stress, etc.
We need a REAL CHANGE NOW. We need help finding sustainable ways to live our lives.
WE ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO develop a UK-wide support strategy AND IMPLEMENT AN ACTION PLAN for endometriosis sufferers and their families. WE DEMAND equal access to lifestyle advice and education and to mental health support.
625
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 24 February 2022