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New online endometriosis resource for nurses and patients

A new nurse-led online resource aims to equip nurses with the skills to speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis – and discover if they are suffering from the condition themselves.
Endometriosis

A new online resource aims to raise awareness of endometriosis among nurses – and could also help them recognise if they too have the condition, which affects one in ten women.


The charity Endometriosis UK’s online resource

De Montfort University in Leicester, in collaboration with charity Endometriosis UK, has produced a new webpage and film addressing the impact that endometriosis can have on both women and their partners, and on their relationship.

Endometriosis and Couples is aimed at health professionals, patients and their partners, and is based on findings from a study into the impact of endometriosis on couples.

Struggle for support

The study found that men often struggle to provide the necessary support to their partners and were reluctant to seek advice and information from health professionals.

Senior sexual health lecturer Wendy Norton is part of the team at De Montfort University which created the resource.

The clinical nurse specialist in assisted reproduction said: ‘While this began as something for patients, from a nurses’ point of view it’s also going to be so useful because it helps them signpost patients to the right treatment much quicker.’

Average seven-year wait

The average wait for diagnosis for endometriosis – where cells like the ones in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body – is seven years.


Endometriosis – where cells like the ones in the lining of the uterus are found
elsewhere in the body – affects one in ten women in the UK. Picture: iStock

Ms Norton added: ‘There is still so little awareness of endometriosis among nurses and health professionals so hopefully this resource goes some way towards changing that.

‘Nursing students will find it useful during their training, but also practice nurses will have something to refer to when patients present at GP clinics.

Significant impact

‘There is also a chance nurses themselves are suffering with the condition, but are not aware of the fact.’

 Endometriosis UK chief executive Emma Cox said: ‘Endometriosis can have a significant impact on all parts of a woman’s life.

‘Women need information, support and understanding about all aspects of the disease, to gain a holistic approach about how best to manage and live with the condition.’

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