Endometriosis Awareness: Symptoms, Consequences, and Solutions for Women in France

2023-10-09 17:50:37

Two and a half million women in France are affected endometriosis. This disease is most often associated with pain during periods or during the cycle and very severe chronic fatigue. “These are actually endometrial cells that grow outside the uterus and bleed around the time of your period” explains Céline, volunteer at Endo France. “This can cause significant pain during periods or when urinating or defecating, pain during intercourse or even during ovulation for example.“.

In front of 210 young people middle and high school students of Sainte-Sévère and of la Châtre, Endo France volunteers detailed at length the symptoms and consequences of this disease which can be very debilitating. “This can cause, for example, absenteeism in class, when the girl cannot even get up to go to class. We’re here to say that it’s not normal to have a lot of pain when you have your period.” explains Albane Aubray, school nurse at the Sainte-Sévère and La Châtre colleges.

Rules less and less taboo

In her infirmary, she sees young people passing through more and more often, looking for answers regarding their menstrual cycle. “It’s less and less taboo, and so much the better. We see that young girls are able to talk regarding it more easily. But it remains a complicated subject to sometimes discuss at home…“

It is also difficult to approach in a group, in front of an audience of young people aged 14 to 17. “It’s true that when we talk regarding rules, there are chuckles… there are still preconceptions like “it’s dirty“” recognizes Céline. Emma and Agathe, 15 years old, shrug their shoulders: “Boys, you know… But at least maybe they will understand us better“Emma is all the more sensitive to the subject as she is personally concerned: “I suffer a lot during my periods and I have just been told regarding possible endometriosis. I am even more interested to know if it fits with my symptoms, if there are solutions..“

Raise awareness among boys

Involving the boys in the conference was crucial for Albane Aubray. “Endometriosis may affect their mother, their sister, their cousin. And maybe one day their partner. It’s a matter to be managed as a couple too, it’s good that they are aware of it. And even if they laugh there, there will always be something left“.

The conference was also an opportunity to propose a time for discussion to the young people who quickly grabbed the microphone, asking many questions around the sexuality. “We realize that in fact, they do not necessarily have an information space, a place where they feel comfortable to ask their questions. There is clearly a real lack” underlines Endo France.

Improve diagnosis

It is the association Women in solidarity de la Châtre who is at the origin of this conference debate. “It is very important to address this issue, especially here, in a rural area, in the middle of a medical desert. Having a GP is already an obstacle course, so making an appointment with a midwife or gynecologist is even more complicated. It ensures that girls have access to information to have a faster diagnosis” underlines Marie Françoise Caumon, president of the association at La Châtre. “General practitioners should also receive more training to better identify the disease. insists Céline, from Endo France, who points out that training exists, notably offered by her association.

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