Time to bear witness to fertility, again
“Many endometriosis patients conceive naturally.”
It is National Fertility Awareness Week, and time to remind ourselves what Dr Karolina Palinska-Rudzka, Consultant Gynaecologist, said on our Endo-Unfiltered podcast about the myths surrounding conception amongst endometriosis warriors.
Karolina was joined on the broadcast by our founder Dr Anita Sharma, who admitted there were more complications around fertility, but that having a child naturally was the outcome for, “many women.”
She added: “Patients with endometriosis may take longer to get pregnant, especially if the tubes and ovaries are affected, but the stage of the disease does not reflect how long it can take to conceive.”
Listen to the full broadcast at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIKg0jtghDk&list=PLHCCenahPfpU&index=2
And go to our PODCASTPAGE
National Fertility Awareness Week is organized by Fertility Action – check out their excellent campaign ideas at https://fertilityaction.org/campaigns/
And we replicate their slogan because frankly – it’s brilliant!
Consultant peps-up cancer podcast
It is indeed, “a heavy topic that causes so much anxiety.”
So, we were privileged to have our friend and expert gynaecological consultant Dr Gaity Ahmad with us, for our latest Endo Unfiltered broadcast on endometriosis and cancer. (Go to PODCASTSPAGE)
The Manchester specialist obstetrician has been an invaluable support in the past, speaking at webinar events, featuring on our home page film, and generally mentoring and encouraging our charity.
Along with Dr Anita Sharma, she discussed questions around endometriosis and cancer and reiterated her desire for all women to “have clear and honest information about their condition.”
Our founder Dr Sharma said: “I am confident that this discussion will be valuable not only to doctors and healthcare professionals but also to the many individuals living with endometriosis.
Many thanks to Dr Gaity Ahmad. Collective efforts like these play a vital role in advancing awareness, education, and support for those affected by endometriosis.”
If you work in healthcare, why not visit our FORMEDICS page, which carries all the very latest on endo, including recent advice from Mr. Diwakar Sarma, The President of the Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, on endometriosis and bowel surgery.
Introducing Iqra
A high school student hoping to help girls speak up about menstrual health, has become the youngest-ever member of our charity’s team.
Iqra Iqbal is still completing her studies at Falinge Park High in Oldham. But she now wants to combine them with a mission to help young people understand endometriosis and get girls to speak up and out, about their symptoms.
Our founder Dr Anita Sharma said: “As a high school student, Iqra understands how period pain can affect concentration, attendance, and everyday life. She believes there needs to be greater awareness of menstrual health within schools and is committed to helping break the stigma surrounding conversations about periods and women's health.
Iqra is keen to support Endometriosis Awareness North in engaging with schools and educating young people about endo.
She hopes that increased awareness will encourage girls to speak up about their symptoms, seek support when needed, and ensure that severe period pain is not simply dismissed as "normal."
As the youngest member of the team, Iqra brings a valuable young person's perspective to the charity's work and is committed to helping create a future where menstrual health is openly discussed, understood, and supported.’’
Iqra said: "Young people need to know that severe period pain is not something they should just put up with. By talking more openly about menstrual health and endometriosis, we can help people get the support they need and make sure no one suffers in silence."
What a Westminster welcome
Our charity is so blessed to have the active and personal support of a sitting Member of Parliament – who has even taken to the floor of the House to bolster our message.
Elsie Blundell, MP for Middleton North and Heywood (Greater Manchester), has been an ever-present advocate and we were delighted to read her thoughts about our recent visit to Westminster, in the Rochdale Times - https://www.rochdaletimes.co.uk/campaigners-want-better-workplace-support-for-endometriosis-sufferers/
“I was very pleased to welcome Anita, Laura, Courtney, Lucy and Lorna to Parliament to participate in a moment of real reflection for MPs and their constituents from across the country and all political parties.
“Too many women are in crippling pain waiting for diagnosis and treatment, making this a national issue that needs attention by the NHS and the Department of Health — an issue of fair employment too.
“We cannot have women curtailing their ambitions because of a lack of understanding or engagement from employers.
“Local women who have come to me, as their MP, deserve to be listened to as they battle to live their lives without pain and I will make sure that their voices are heard — at work, in healthcare settings and here in Westminster.
“Inviting these brave women to Parliament and to come along on this journey is a privilege as our local MP.”
We thank Elsie once again and appeal to politicians of all persuasions to join with us in raising awareness of endometriosis.
After all, this is a human issue that can affect people from any and all backgrounds.
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.