Yellow Alert: Understanding Endometriosis in Australia
This March, Endometriosis Australia is holding March into Yellow. The challenge is to wear yellow every day for the month to raise money toward endometriosis education, research, and awareness.
Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition. An estimated 1 in 7 Australian women will experience endometriosis at some point in their lives.
What is endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows in other places outside the uterus. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas in the pelvis. When this tissue breaks down and bleeds, just like the lining of the uterus during a period, it has nowhere to go. This can cause pain, inflammation, and scar tissue.
Endometriosis has big impact. It can affect almost every area of a person’s life, including education, work, social life, mental health, family, and finances.
Symptoms of endometriosis
According to Endometriosis Australia, endometriosis can cause a number of problems for women. Pain in the pelvic region, lower back and legs is common.
Infertility affects around 50 percent of cases.
It is well-known to cause fatigue and severe pain.
Facts about endometriosis
- Period pain that puts your life on hold is not normal.
- Teenagers are not too young to have endometriosis.
- Pain levels are not related to the extent of the disease.
- Endometriosis is not a sexually transmissible infection, and it is not contagious.
- There is no known cause yet or cure.
- Endometriosis does not always cause infertility.
- Getting pregnant is not a cure, nor is having a hysterectomy.
Workplace problems
According to a survey of 389 women with endometriosis in the workplace, 70 percent have had to take unpaid time off work to manage their symptoms. One in three had been passed over for promotion, and one in six had lost their employment due to their endometriosis.
Diagnosis
Unfortunately, it has taken an average of six and a half years to diagnose this chronic and painful condition. This is led to many suffering in silence.
If you suspect you or someone you know has endometriosis, you can use the online symptom checker to see whether you may have endometriosis.
Book an appointment with your doctor. You can take the online test result or simply ask for a referral to a gynaecologist.
The gynaecologist will diagnose endometriosis through a laparoscopy and or biopsy.
Treatment and management
Endometriosis can be treated with medical, surgical and complementary treatments.
These often include pain relieving medication, surgery such as a ‘curette’, and alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and meditation.
Your doctor and gynaecologist will be able to help you treat your endometriosis.
New insights
Thankfully, things are changing. Emerging research is providing new insights into the causes and potential treatments for endometriosis. Scientists are exploring factors like genetics, immune system responses, and environmental influences. This research is crucial for developing better diagnostic tools and more effective therapies.
Endometriosis Australia has partnered with the Australian College of Nursing Foundation to provide 100 scholarships to nurses to complete 10-week training course in endometriosis and pelvic pain. There is a critical need for nurses with this training in rural, regional, and remote areas of Australia. The scholarships commenced this year. However, there’s still a long way to go.
Why March into Yellow?
The yellow of March into Yellow has thoughtfully used wattle as a symbol for the campaign.
Australian wattle survive bushfire, drought, flood, and produces soft and delicate flowers. This wattle mirrors the resilience and strength of women with endometriosis .
We need to continue educating healthcare professionals and the public about endometriosis. March into Yellow has three aims:
- Raise awareness: Help women understand their bodies and recognise the signs of endometriosis.
- Provide support: Offer resources and support groups for women living with this condition.
- Fund research: Invest in studies to find better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
Find out how you can participate in March into Yellow or attend an event close to you.
Support to help you have a high tea or mufti day to raise money. Or simply wear something yellow every day this month in support.
Sources:
