Endometriosis Awareness Month: Your Story Shaping Our Future

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, ‘Your Story Shaping Our Future,’ underscores the vital role that personal experiences play in raising awareness, influencing policy changes, and improving outcomes for individuals living with endometriosis. The theme recognizes that endometriosis extends beyond a health issue, impacting education, employment, relationships, fertility, mental wellbeing, and overall life opportunities.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women, girls, and those assigned female at birth [1]. This condition can cause chronic pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, and infertility, significantly impacting mental health. It is considered a major public health concern, not a niche issue.

The Power of Shared Stories

Endometriosis New Zealand emphasizes that sharing personal stories is crucial for increasing understanding of the condition, improving symptom recognition, and advocating for systemic change. Many New Zealanders experience years of delays before receiving a diagnosis, and even after diagnosis, face challenges accessing effective treatment [1].

Advocacy for a National Endometriosis Action Plan

Endometriosis New Zealand is actively advocating for a National Endometriosis Action Plan, modeled after the successful plan in Australia [1]. This plan aims to improve diagnosis pathways, ensure equitable access to treatments, and coordinate services nationally. A recent event at Parliament, hosted by Minister for Women Hon Nicola Grigg and MC’d by Susie Ferguson, delivered a strong message about the urgent need for this action plan [3]. Dr. Michael Wynn-Williams and Katherine Ellis powerfully articulated the need for a coordinated nationwide response [3].

Getting Involved in Endometriosis Awareness Month

Throughout March, Endometriosis New Zealand is hosting and supporting a range of events across Aotearoa, focusing on awareness, education, and support [1]. Key initiatives include:

• Living Well Together Events: Community events are being held in 9 locations, featuring clinical advisors, allied health professionals, and individuals with lived experience [2].
• Sharing Stories: Individuals are encouraged to share their experiences with endometriosis [2].
• 120 Challenge: Participants are encouraged to complete an activity based around the number 120 (representing the 120,000 New Zealanders living with endometriosis) whereas fundraising and raising awareness [1].
• Online Auction: An online auction will be held throughout March to support Endometriosis New Zealand’s programs [1].
• Endometriosis & Exercise Series: A free four-week online series provides practical support and guidance for managing endometriosis through exercise [1].

Resources and Support

For media inquiries or further information, contact Tanya Cooke, CEO of Endometriosis New Zealand, at tanya@nzendo.org.nz or 027 255 1306 [2].