4.2 crore women in the country suffering from endometriosis

New Delhi: In connection with Endometriosis Awareness Month, Patient Academy for Innovation and Research in collaboration with Bayer organized the first phase of Endo Run in the capital Delhi. The Endo Run aims to raise public awareness and bring together women with endometriosis and their families, healthcare providers, researchers and activists to come together and share their concerns about it. The purpose of organizing the Endo Run is also to inspire discussion about this across the country so that more support and resources can be made available to those affected by it and their families. More than 150 patients participated in this awareness campaign.

Endometriosis is a common, chronic, gynecological problem affecting 247 million women worldwide and 42 million women in India. In this, tissue similar to the inner surface of the uterus spreads outside the uterus as well. Women with endometriosis may experience chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, depression, and infertility. The diagnosis is often delayed by 6-10 years, and this severely affects the lives of affected women.

Dr. Ratna Devi, Director, Patient Academy for Innovation and Research, said, “Due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment, it is important to raise awareness about endometriosis. Most of the women are forced to suffer severe discomfort and many other symptoms due to this and their complaint is either ignored or not given any attention. Therefore, there is an urgent need for better diagnosis and early treatment. Women who go through this painful experience should also be encouraged to talk about it among themselves and support each other.

To raise awareness about endometriosis, Endo Run was organized at Connaught Place in the capital Delhi. On the occasion, a coffee table book was also launched which carries stories of some of the patients and their journey of diagnosis. Through this book, the patients have been told about the right steps to take on time by contacting the gynaecologists. This book will certainly acquaint women in detail about the various aspects of this disease through the experiences of these women. Interactive sessions like JUBA were also organized on the sidelines of the Endo Run to inspire women to adopt a healthy lifestyle.