March – Endometriosis Action Month (UK)

1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The condition can cause inflammation and scar tissue, leading to what can be excruciating pain, as well as fertility issues. Yet, in England and Scotland, it takes on average 8 years 10 months from the first GP visit to getting a diagnosis.

Sophie Aimée Ahlemeyer, PhD researcher on endometriosis, Department of History, University of Warwick, speaks about the stigmas and healthcare disparities some endometriosis sufferers experience.

“Endometriosis is a condition where women not only risk enduring agonising pain but where they can be denied the right to make certain choices about their own bodies, as their treatment is often shaped by assumptions surrounding the preservation of fertility. The medical emphasis on fertility is also indicated by the fact that endometriosis patients complaining of infertility are often diagnosed faster than those complaining of pain.

“Women in same-sex relationships are at higher risk of receiving poorer healthcare when they report endometriosis symptoms, as pain during or after penetrative sex is currently one of the key diagnostic criteria health care providers look for.

“Additionally, research indicates that endometriosis sufferers are at risk of experiencing explicitly or implicitly biased healthcare, as health care provider knowledge of the amount of pain endometriosis can cause may be limited. This can lead to a perceived exaggeration of symptoms and an assumption of poor pain tolerance – a problem female patients experience more broadly.

“Studying the gender pain gap, and gender inequalities in health care more broadly, has been fascinating. As a result of my PhD endometriosis research, my ambition is now to become a medical doctor, as I would like to play a part in believing women's pain and be able to provide care."