March is not only the month in which we celebrate women, it is also the month of yellow ribbons. It is an occasion to shine a light on the always relevant issue of endometriosis, a chance to talk about an issue that affects many women worldwide.
The Endometriosis Association initiated Endometriosis Awareness Month in 1993 with the goal of raising awareness on the condition that affects approximately 10% of women during their reproductive years, mainly in their 30s and 40s.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb and often attaches to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This is the cause of strong period pains, in particular in the lower abdomen or back, pain during or after sexual intercourse and difficulty in getting pregnant.
Because the symptoms listed can be associated with many other conditions, endometriosis tends to go undiagnosed for many years. It is easy to blame strong abdominal pain to heavy periods, and this can lead to a delayed visit to the doctor.
When underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, endometriosis can lead to unnecessary suffering.
This is why early detection is fundamental to prevent endometriosis-related complications.
To this day, there is no no way to prevent the condition, nor a cure for endometriosis. Having said this, the diagnosis can be key to receiving the right treatments to manage the symptoms and alleviate them.
For this reason, it is of prime importance to spread awareness on the subject and to inform as many women as possible, especially at a young age. When informed, women will be less likely to confuse symptoms of endometriosis with a “heavy period” and the discourse on the subject will start to be normalised and more easily understood.
When asked about their opinion on the awareness month, DCU students all responded positively. “It is extremely important for girls to know about it, so that they can seek professional help”, one notes.
An undiagnosed condition and the inexplicability of the symptoms can also be the cause of mental health issues and can inflict serious social and financial consequences.
An open conversation on endometriosis is the correct way for women who experience the condition, and for everyone around them, to fully understand the issue and to take the necessary steps to make it more sustainable.
Veronica Colombo