#toolong

I did it. i made the video. are you proud of me, father?

Endometriosis awareness and talking about women’s health

Endometriosis is a condition which affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, yet many young women have little knowledge on the condition and its symptoms. Caused by the endometrium tissue being found outside the uterus, the long term condition causes discomfort to the sufferer and can potentially affect fertility.

This week is Endometriosis Awareness Week in the UK, and this year’s #TooLong campaign from Endometriosis UK focuses on issues of diagnosis. In the UK, the average time to a firm diagnosis is 7.5 years- but why is this so long?

A combination of factors makes diagnosing endometriosis a complex issue. Firstly, endometriosis shares symptoms with many other conditions, making differentiating a challenge.  In addition, it is common for sufferers have little knowledge of endometriosis, and to assume that symptoms are normal menstrual pain, thus delaying going to their GP.

Research into endometriosis continues to aid diagnosis, treatment, and general understanding of the condition- both from academic/medical and patient perspectives. Awareness campaigns from organisations such as Endometriosis UK are increasing general knowledge of the condition- focussing on making women’s health less of a taboo in schools and in the media.

Gradually, it seems that the impact on awareness campaigns such as this, are having a significant positive impact on discussion around topics which, in the past, have been those that get swept under the rug.

We've all been heaped with so much to do every day that I'm afraid to call in sick anymore.

I've felt that way before (afraid to call in sick) and then either eventually got over it, or else got sick enough that I really didn't have a choice about not taking a sick day. So I suppose I might get over it again. But I feel very conflicted about leaving my work for other people to do in my absence.