Endometriosis is a very personal and painful illness that many constituents have raised with me privately and I wanted to say a word or two about it.
Endometriosis is a condition which affects 1.5million in the UK – roughly 1 in 10 women. This condition causes cells similar to the ones lining the womb to replicate elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions) and its symptoms can be felt for life.
Whilst more women are speaking out about the condition, too many feel ignored by doctors or compelled to suffer in silence.
Last month was Endometriosis Awareness Month. I was pleased to attend an event in Parliament to mark this and raise more awareness for the many who suffer from the condition.
If you or a relative/friend have any concerns relating to this please do feel you can raise this with me, and I will always do my best to help wherever possible.
