Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects more than 200 million women worldwide. When endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, lesions can form on other organs throughout the body and cause severe pelvic and back pain, as well as pain between periods and with intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In fact, 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and 30-50% of individuals with endometriosis experience infertility.
Although endometriosis can begin in adolescence, it often goes undiagnosed and inadequately treated for an average of 6.7 years or longer. Endometriosis is associated with a high burden of comorbidities, increased use of healthcare resources, and excessive costs, particularly for younger patients whose healthcare needs may differ widely from the older population.
In fact, it is common for several endometriosis symptoms to overlap with bulk symptoms and gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, resulting in misdiagnoses and complications managing symptoms.
SWHR is hosting a webinar to review the impact of endometriosis on women’s health and highlight the diagnosis, treatment, and co-management of gut-related comorbidities, with a special emphasis on adolescent and young women living with endometriosis.
Dr. Jessica Shim, MD, FACOG, is a faculty member in the Division of Gynecology, Department of Surgery, at Boston Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Shim is the associate clinical director for her division and directs the long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) and fertility preservation programs. She is currently the fellowship director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital and a Boston Children’s Hospital Teaching Academy member. Dr. Shim’s primary clinical and research interest includes adolescent endometriosis.
Dr. Sukhbir (Sony) Singh is Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa and Head of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care at The Ottawa Hospital. He is an Associate Scientist and the Dr. Elaine Jolly Research Chair in Gynecologic Surgery at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Upon completion of his medical training at the University of Western Ontario (MD 2000, FRCSC 2005), he completed fellowships in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at the University of Toronto (2005-2006) and the University of Sydney, Australia (2006-2007). His clinical expertise focuses on the surgical management of deep endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and uterine fibroids. His leadership roles include Fellowship Co-Director of the Ottawa AAGL Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. He is the co-founder and past Executive Director of the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence (CanSAGE) and past Board Member for the AAGL. Dr. Singh is a volunteer member of EndoAct, a national advocacy group with the aim to improve access and care for those with endometriosis. Dr. Singh leads the Ottawa Minimally Invasive Gynecology Research Group which focuses on the diagnosis, management and surgical approach to endometriosis and uterine fibroids. He has given over 400 presentations worldwide, delivered 50 formal courses and has over 150 publications to date.
Support for this educational program has been provided by Sumitomo Pharam. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.