Breaking the Silence: BACH Raises Awareness for Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and Bay Area Community Health’s (BACH) Women’s Health department is committed to acting! “Some women may not be aware of the existence of such a condition, but our goal this year is to introduce and build momentum for Endometriosis Awareness Month,” highlights BACH Women’s Health program manager Linde Chea.

Since some women do not know of this condition, physicians need to be able to identify, educate, and refer patients to the right channels if they suspect patients may be experiencing it. It is therefore important to create awareness in the clinics and provide staff with health education and resources. This is the first step in doing so, says Linde.

“We will be printing and disseminating fact sheets about endometriosis symptoms, as well as a short explanation of what it entails and how it affects a woman’s body. We will send a digital copy of this information to our clinicians and share it at our next Women’s Health Department Huddle meeting with our Medical Assistants, healthcare providers, and Comprehensive Perinatal Health Workers.”

The next step is breaking the stigma around the issue and opening the dialogue between patients and providers. Linde stresses that patients and staff are welcome to meet with their healthcare providers to inquire about concerns related to menstruation inconsistencies, pain, or any discomfort.

“BACH providers will provide patients with additional information as needed to take care of their needs. Patients will be referred out to other specialists depending on the severity of their condition.”

Patients seeking additional support can be referred to the Northern California Endometriosis Information and Advocacy group on Facebook, which offers support to individuals with endometriosis. The group is meant for discussion and sharing of information and resources. It is also a group that may work together to raise awareness and support the need for more research. Additionally, there are several materials available, linked at the bottom of this article, for more resources, which include the free Endometriosis Pain and Impact Questionnaire, Endometriosis 3-Month Tracker, and Action Plan available in both English and Spanish.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the interior lining of the uterus, or endometrium, mistakenly migrates and implants in areas outside the uterus, primarily in the pelvic region. These implants respond to monthly fluctuations of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) during the menstrual cycle. During this cycle, estrogen can cause this out-of-place tissue to grow, often causing severe pain. These implants are endometriosis.

Endometriosis is associated with immune and hormonal disruptions. As endometriosis grows, it causes inflammation, which can lead to adhesions, scarring, internal bleeding, bowel or urinary dysfunction, constipation, painful intercourse, or infertility. The physical pain can be severe, which can lead to psychological distress. It’s a combination that, in many ways, can have a debilitating effect on an individual's life.

According to Endometriosis World, 1 in 10 women get affected by endometriosis during their reproductive years (15 to 49 years). 176 million women in the world have endometriosis. 68% of women with endometriosis were initially misdiagnosed with another condition.

There is no known cause of the disease and no cure, though it is treatable. Symptoms of endometriosis include abnormal periods, painful periods, painful intercourse, gastrointestinal distress, neuropathy, infertility, and fatigue. It's crucial to recognize these symptoms and seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.

Linde explains that Endometriosis management often involves a combination of medication, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Pain management techniques, such as heat therapy and exercise, can also help alleviate symptoms. Individuals with endometriosis need to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan.