Soroptimists in the UK are raising awareness amongst women and girls about the debilitating condition Endometriosis, which affects around 1.5 million women in the UK.
As part of this campaign members of SI Cannock spent a morning at the Cannock campus of South Staffs College recently, talking to students and staff, giving them information about the condition, including the signs and symptoms to look out for. Many women suffer undiagnosed for many years meaning that they spend much of their time in considerable pain and discomfort. Help is available if only the condition can be recognized.
Symptoms can include painful periods, pain during or after intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, painful bowel movements and fatigue. It is important to know that endometriosis is NOT an infection or a cancer and it CANNOT be passed from one person to another.
Many women put up with some or all of these symptoms, believing them to be ‘normal’ when they are not. The effects of the condition can be far-reaching, including depression and problems with relationships in both home life and work.
Anyone concerned should talk to their Doctor. More information is available on the website: www.endometriosis-uk.org or via the helpline 0808 808 2227
Students and staff at the Cannock campus were very interested in and grateful for the information they received, taking away leaflets which would be passed on to friends and family members.
Photo: l to r: Dr Janis Lomas, President SI Cannock & District; Soroptimists Jenny Holmes, Dr Sue Cartlidge