Painting a picture of endo at Commons
We evoked the spirit of giants Michael Meacher and Shirley Williams, to urge action on a crippling condition that leaves nearly half of its sufferers with financial hardship.
Endometriosis Awareness North were asked to attend an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) at Westminster, after a new survey of employees showed:
⦁90% of so-called endo warriors had taken time off work because of endometriosis
⦁55% used annual leave instead of sick leave, to cope with their endo
⦁47% had lost income due to endometriosis
⦁Financial strain was endured by 40% of sufferers, and worst of all....
⦁36% were still going into work despite experiencing chronic pain.
And what particularly vexed politicians from all-sides was why the same survey showed that THREE-QUARTERS of bosses ran no training at all on not just endometriosis - but women's health in general!
"Our charity has at least made small steps such as getting the police, public transport companies and even banks in our region involved in endo awareness" said our founder, Dr Anita Sharma. "Our webinars, visits to schools, lectures at events for medics, and online information have also offered advice to women with endo about their work-place rights.
But this is just a drop in the ocean and decision-makers and indeed the whole of society needs to do more. You can bet if this were a man's illness, something would have been done. The fact that women are losing money, holiday time with their family, and going to work in agony is absolutely reprehensible."
As its name suggests, an An All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is a cross‑party group of UK MPs and Lords who come together to focus on a subject - considered to be in the national interest. What is discussed can then go to the forefront of policy and debates in the Houses.
Endo Ambassadors Courtney Ormrod and Lucy Bowker again did their cause and borough proud, by sharing their stories of how endometriosis thwarted their careers, educations, and in the former's case, the hope of having a family.
Dr Sharma continued: "Practical adjustments can be made, such as flexible hours, home or hybrid working where possible, changes to duties, flexibility to alter shifts, additional breaks, suitable uniforms, immediate toilet access, phased returns and paid time for medical appointments.
Women with endometriosis should not have to sacrifice their health, income or career - and if these changes are made nationally, warriors will owe so much to Lucy, Courtney, and other heroines like them."
She concluded: "Travelling to the corridors of power can of course be very daunting for young people, but the friendly faces of the late Michael Meacher and Shirley Williams on portraits really inspired us. Education, compassion and the power of women really can make a difference!"
More moments on your moving views
Response to our founder's comments on menopause have been so plentiful (and inspirational) that she has gone into even more detail on the subject, in her latest blog!
Dr Anita Sharma bemoaned the lack of understanding over what some call, The Change, citing dangerous stigma and even ridicule.
In her more extended piece, she highlights a male-centred attitude to healthcare, arguing: "Such misogynistic ignorance has spurned poor attitudes to endo treatment".
There is also a warning that the onset of the menopause does not mean the end of endo.
Read her thoughts by visiting BLOGS
Marguerite brings cocktail of outcomes and change
Endometriosis Awareness North is always happy to hear and share perspectives from other parts of Britain.
Which is why we were delighted to meet Dr Marguerite O’Riordan, an Academic Clinical Fellow and Public Health Registrar based in Southampton.
She also serves as the Southeast Resident Doctor Representative for the Medical Women’s Federation, where she is a strong advocate for females in medicine.
Our founder Dr Anita Sharma met with Marguerite at the annual conference of the British International Doctors Association (BIDA).
Dr Sharma said: "Her work focuses on reducing health inequalities and addressing the women’s health gap through research, awareness and advocacy. And her commitment to improving outcomes for women and driving meaningful change across the healthcare system is truly inspiring."
Discover BIDA by visiting https://bida-online.com/
Fertile message of hope on podcast
Women with endometriosis CAN still bear children naturally.
That was the take-away message from our latest Endo-Unfiltered podcast, now available at https://fromsmash.com/7Og~64CFog-bt?e=YW5pdGEuc2hhcm1hQG5ocy5uZXQ%3D
Questions on the success or otherwise of fertility treatment, risk of miscarriage, and whether endo symptoms actually reduce when you are pregnant, feature.
Joining our founder Dr Anita Sharma at the mike was endo warrior, all-round inspiration, and mum Lucy Bowker. While hopeful mother to be and long serving ambassador Courtney Ormrod, relayed her moving story and hopes - despite the physical and mental pain of endo.
We were boosted this time by Dr Karolina Palinska-Rudzka, Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited Sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine.
You really could not get a better expert on the subject
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.
Donate
We are registered with The Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212676.
You can do your bit to research a cure to endo and support the one-in-ten women with the condition by going to our DONATE page.