FRESH START
FRESH START “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” – LEMONY SNICKET
ENDOMETRIOSIS: AN INVISIBLE DISEASE AFFECTING HALF A MILLION CANADIANS
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In Canada, where an estimated 7% of women will develop endometriosis, it’s common for those affected to experience a delay in diagnosis of more than five years. That’s one result of a survey of 30,000 Canadian women aged 18-49 conducted earlier in 2020 and sponsored by R&D-based biopharmaceutical company AbbVie. The results have been published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
“Women need to know that painful periods are not normal,” says Dr. Sukhbir Singh, MD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at The Ottawa Hospital. “Endometriosis can have a significant negative impact on a person’s health and dramatically hinder their overall quality of life. There are treatment options available, as long as endometriosis is identified quickly.”
Living with endometriosis is a life-long journey. After diagnosis, treatment often includes surgery but many still deal with unmanaged pain. It’s important to have continuous support, knowledge and access to clinically proven treatments throughout the process. If pain continues, be your own advocate, seek out options and speak to a health care expert about all options.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that often affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.
See Endometriosis Network Canada and online chats via #EndoEmpowered to foster a sense of community for endometriosis patients in Canada.
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Symptoms include non-menstrual pelvic pain, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and cramping during menstruation. Infertility can also be common with endometriosis.
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