SWHR’s Endometriosis Toolkit Empowers Patients to Take Charge of Their Health

By Dezimey Kum, SWHR Communications and Policy Intern

For every 10 women in your life — friends, family, or coworkers — at least one of them likely has endometriosis. With this chronic and often debilitating disease, tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of the womb where it doesn’t belong, causing lesions, pelvic pain, and other symptoms.

The cause of endometriosis is unknown, and the condition can be difficult to live with, both physically and emotionally. Many women experience significant delays in getting diagnosed and treated, in part because of the societal stigma around menstrual issues. Although there is no cure, treatment options are available to help ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

As March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is launching its new Endometriosis Toolkit: A Guide to Patient Empowerment, designed to help people of all ages with endometriosis navigate their care. The toolkit provides easy-to-understand information on menstrual health, guidance on endometriosis diagnosis and treatment, and tips for interacting with your health care provider.

Clear communication between patients and health care providers is critical for timely diagnosis of endometriosis and shared decision-making on a treatment plan tailored to the individual. This toolkit is designed to facilitate productive conversations between patients and health care providers so people with endometriosis can get the care they need.

Vetted by endometriosis patients and experts, this toolkit includes easy-to-understand information, resources, and tips on:

• What endometriosis is and who it affects
• Menstrual health, stigma, and tracking your period
• Preparing for a doctor’s visit, including a worksheet to fill out and questions to ask
• Treatment options — types of medications, surgery, and other therapies
• Factors to consider when deciding on a treatment plan
• Endometriosis throughout the life course — teens, pregnancy, and menopause
• Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle

DOWNLOAD THE ENDOMETRIOSIS PATIENT TOOLKIT

The toolkit is a project of SWHR’s Endometriosis and Fibroids Network, which works to engage and educate patients, health care providers, and policymakers about the burden of these diseases, which significantly impact the lives of many women. Thanks to our sponsor, Abbvie, for their support of this educational toolkit.