Source: hulldailymail.co.uk
Women have been urged to share their experiences of living with endometriosis to aid an inquiry launched by MPs.
Approximately 1.5m women suffer with the condition, which can cause severe pain and negatively affect quality of life.
The inquiry is by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis with support from Endometriosis UK, the leading national charity dedicated to the issue.
Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy is the vice chair of the Endometriosis APPG.
She said: “This inquiry launched by the APPG and supported by Endometriosis UK will see patients and healthcare practitioners work together to share their experiences and advice with the Government.
“By working together, we shall be able to offer the government a list of recommendations on how to raise awareness and to treat sufferers of Endometriosis.
We need to make sure that all of the 1.5m women that suffer with endometriosis can access the right care they need at the right time and help stop the mental and physical trauma this disease can cause.”
Endometriosis is a condition that is finally gaining national attention after years of being misunderstood and undiagnosed.
It occurs when tissue similar to that which lines the uterus grows on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Outside of the uterus, endometrial tissue thickens and bleeds.
These cells react to the menstrual cycle by building up, breaking down and then bleeding. However, where cells in the womb leave the body through menstrual blood, the blood caused by endometriosis has now way to escape, causing inflammation and the forming of scar tissue.
Many sufferers complain of abnormally painful periods and cramps that prevent them from going about their daily lives.
Other symptoms include pelvic pain, pain when urinating and difficulty getting pregnant.
Endometriosis is also known to take on average 7.5 years to diagnose.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “This inquiry is a welcome opportunity for the government and NHS to get real about the impact of Endometriosis on individuals and society, and to take it seriously.
“The inquiry provides the government with the opportunity to deliver recommendations for much needed improvements for the diagnosis, treatment and support of 1.5 million women living with the disease – and reduce the suffering of future generations.
“We urge all people with endometriosis to take part in the survey. This is a huge opportunity to push for real change for people affected by endometriosis and shape the way care is delivered in the future.”