Alexa Chung Shouts Out About Women With Endometriosis Being ‘Dismissed!’
TV presenter, model and fashion designer, Alexa Chung, (age 39), has recently turned her energies to the very important, and frequently overlooked, subject of endometriosis. – The latter refers to a most unwelcome chronic female condition, which according to the World Health Organisation, is:”a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus [womb], grows outside the uterus [womb], such as around the ovaries. The tissue sheds in the same way that blood does during the menstrual cycle, but [in this case], has nowhere to escape to, thus causing inflammation, pain, and scar tissue build-up” [1,2]. Of note, endometriosis can generate severe pelvic pain, and render it more difficult for women to become pregnant. Moreover, endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause
Did You Know?
“According to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average of seven-and-a-half years for women to get a diagnosis, & affects around 1.5 million women in the UK” [2]
Who Should I Consult For Immediate Action If I Think I Have Endometriosis?
The first course of action should be to consult a Vulva Pain Doctor (Vulva Pain Specialist). This will ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis right from the get-go. – Unfortunately, the majority of GPs have not undertaken the necessary specialist training, or undergone the essential clinical experience, that is needed to impart an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, Vulva Pain Specialists are up-to-date on the latest cutting-edge treatments.
On your appointment, once your Pain Doctor has reviewed your medical history, asked you various pertinent questions relating to your pain and other matters; and arranged any necessary tests and scans, they will then devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan, which you can start straight away without any further ado.
So Why Does Chung Feel That Women Are Being Dismissed?
Well, in the first instance, the aforementioned statistics provided by Endometriosis UK, say it all, furthermore, many women’s upsetting personal stories can be found on various internet sites. Indeed, as Chung clearly states: “women are being “dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left floundering,” before getting tested for endometriosis. In a piece for British Vogue, she details her and other women’s experiences, and notes that endometriosis is shrouded in mystery and misinformation, and frequently mishandled by doctors” [2]. Unfortunately, countless GPs, are not referring patients to Vulva Pain Specialists when they should…
References
[1]. World Health Organisation (2023). “Endometriosis.”
[2]. McLaughlin, C. (2023). “Alexa Chung opens up about endometriosis and says women are being ‘dismissed’.” Independent.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/alexa-chung-british-vogue-australia-melbourne-endometriosis-uk-b2345157.html