Podcast

Endometriosis: how nurses can support patients to manage symptoms

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Practical advice, whether you’re a non-specialist nurse supporting a patient, you’d like to explore a gynae career, or you struggle to manage your own symptoms

Woman looks uncomfortable as she clutches her abdomen
Picture: iStock

How can painful, heavy periods and other debilitating symptoms of endometriosis be managed?

This is the topic of our latest Nursing Standard podcast, which examines nurse-led support for women experiencing these gynaecological issues.


A common condition with debilitating symptoms

Around 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus causing inflammation. Symptoms include pain in the pelvis, lower stomach or back, pain during sex and periods, and while passing urine or faeces. It can affect a woman’s fertility too.

We hear advice from clinical nurse specialist in endometriosis and gynaecology Claudia Tye and nurse consultant in gynaecology Debby Holloway, who are based at Guy’s Hospital in London.

Support for non-specialist nurses

They talk about the signs of endometriosis that non-specialist nurses should watch out for, lesser-known symptoms, treatment options and how the condition and heavy menstrual bleeding in general can be managed by women with demanding jobs such as nursing itself.

These nurse experts also discuss with podcast host Nursing Standard editor Flavia Munn support for patients’ mental health and the role of diet in symptom management.

They explain how nurses can pursue a career in their field of practice.



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