MEP CALLS FOR GREATER AWARENESS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

4.19.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Mar 2007

Liz Lynne, local Lib Dem MEP has today called for a greater awareness of endometriosis. A seminar in the European Parliament, which aims to place the condition which affects an estimated two million women in the UK and 89 million around the world firmly in the spotlight, was held today.

Liz said:

"Raising awareness of this disease is essential as endometriosis affects at least 14 million women and girls in the EU.

"Although it is difficult to predict precisely how much endometriosis costs, based on US figures it is thought that in the region of €30 billion a year is lost just in days taken off work due to illness. Yet due to a lack of awareness, both in the medical professions and amongst the general public, sufferers face an average wait of eight years from presenting symptoms to being diagnosed.

"Recent studies show that endometriosis costs society more than migraine and Crohn's disease. However researchers suffer from a lack of funding.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Endometriosis is tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, which is found in other areas of the body (mainly in the abdominal cavity). The tissue bleeds and forms implants, lesions, blood-filled cysts, and adhesions resulting in inflammation, pain, infertility and other medical problems.

Despite being recognised since 1690, the cause of endometriosis is still not known, and subsequently there is no cure. The most common symptom associated with this disease is pelvic pain, experienced by at least 90% of sufferers. Pain can occur during the menstrual period, at ovulation, and other times. The degree of pain can range from mild to severe and is often an indication of where the endometrial lesions are growing.

Not every woman has all the symptoms of endometriosis; some experience more than others. Specific symptoms are:

•pelvic pain, menstrual pain, pain with sex, pain with bowel movements;

•fatigue, low energy, exhaustion;

•heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding;

•bowel complications--constipation, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits,

•rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements;

•bladder complications--urinary frequency, painful urination, urinary

•retention, blood in urine during periods;

•fertility problems;

•dizziness, migraine headaches, nausea, low back pain, extensive

•allergies, vaginal discharge, yeast infections, low-grade fever.