HELP A SISTER OUT

This week (4th – 10th March) is Endometriosis UK Awareness Week. I have only recently become aware of exactly what Endometriosis is, and I believe that it’s important to spread the word so that women everywhere are more educated about the condition and its symptoms.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. During your monthly cycle your hormones stimulate the endometriosis, causing it to grow, then break down and bleed. This internal bleeding, unlike a period, has no way of leaving the body. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions).

COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

Painful, heavy, or irregular periods
Pain during or after sex
Infertility
Problems on opening bowels
Fatigue

This is a very vicious and nasty condition, which is very difficult to live with and can affect all areas of a woman’s life. One of the best ways to help women in this position and to get the word out to others is to hold a fundraising event in your area. For example, I am holding a bake sale at my University as part of the De Montfort University Feminist Society (18th March, DMU Student Union, Leicester, 11am). You can hold just about any kind of event, as a group or individually; you just need to download the fundraising form from the Endometriosis UK website, or alternatively if you are short of time, donate money directly via the website. After sending off your form, you will receive all sorts of bits and pieces aimed to make your fundraising as successful as possible, such as posters, flyers, a collection box and a t-shirt.

HOLD YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENT AND DOWNLOAD THE FORM NOW.

Helpline: 0808 808 2227

-ANNA