- Endometriosis affects an estimated one in 10 womeni, but there is a lack of awareness and prioritization of endometriosis as an important women's health issueii
- The surveys, conducted by HealthyWomen and sponsored by AbbVie, will produce educational content for use by women and their doctors
- Education of consumers and healthcare providers is critical to help elevate understanding and diagnosis of endometriosis
Red Bank, N.J., – HealthyWomen, the nation's leading independent health source for women, today announced it will conduct nationwide surveys with consumers and healthcare professionals intended to help increase awareness and understanding surrounding endometriosis, a disease that occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, leading to long-term pelvic pain (during or between periods), pain with intercourse and other painful symptomsiii. The surveys, sponsored by AbbVie, will identify knowledge gaps and provide insights that will be used to develop data-driven, educational materials women can use in conversations with their doctors.
"Endometriosis affects an estimated one in 10 womeni, yet women with endometriosis are often undiagnosed and remain untreatediv,v" said Beth Battaglino, RN, CEO of HealthyWomen. "We are delighted to partner with AbbVie on these surveys to help ensure that awareness, understanding and diagnosis of endometriosis are proactive and effective."
Endometriosis is associated with pain symptoms which can be debilitating and may interfere with day-to-day activitiesv. Women with endometriosis can suffer for six to 10 years before proper diagnosisiv,v.
The surveys are part of a disease state awareness campaign called Get in the Know About ME in EndoMEtriosis (meinendo.com), an effort focused on galvanizing women to learn about and understand endometriosis. The campaign seeks to educate and empower women to evaluate whether they are the "ME in endoMEtriosis" by finding out how to identify and address symptoms of endometriosis and helping others on their journey to do the same.
For more information, or to take the survey, visit www.healthywomen.org.
About HealthyWomen
For more than 25 years, HealthyWomen has inspired and empowered millions of women to take a proactive role in their health. A progressive and unique women's health not-for-profit, HealthyWomen combines a 24/7 online health media platform with award-winning education and advocacy campaigns. HealthyWomen's web destination engages with readers and health care providers alike and provides valuable health information that educates women and guides them through the various ages and stages of life. For more information on HealthyWomen, visit www.healthywomen.org.
About Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, leading to long-term pelvic pain (during or between periods), pain with intercourse and other painful symptomsiii. These growths are called lesions and can occur on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or other areas near the uterus, such as the bowel or bladdervi,vii. There is no cure for endometriosis, and the associated pain is currently managed with oral contraceptives, progestins, danazol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and GnRH agonists, many of which are not specifically indicated for the treatment of endometriosis. In more extensive cases, surgical interventions (e.g., laparotomy or laparoscopy) are often pursued, and may not be curative for all individuals.viii
About Get in the Know about Me in EndoMEtriosis
Get in the Know about Me in EndoMEtriosis is a women's health campaign dedicated to empowering women to learn about and understand endometriosis. Endometriosis affects an estimated one in 10 womeni, but despite being one of the most common gynecologic disorders in Americavi, there is a lack of awareness and prioritization of endometriosis as an important women's health issueii. Learn more at MEinEndo.com and join the conversation online by sharing #MEinEndo.
About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, AbbVie employs more than 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
i The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: FAQ Endometriosis. https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq013.pdf. Accessed June 30, 2016.
ii Shah, D. K., et al. Public perceptions of endometriosis: perspectives from both genders. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2010;89(5):646-650.
iii Johnson NP, Hummelshoj L. for the World Endometriosis Society Montpellier Consortium. Consensus on current management of endometriosis. Human Reprod 2013; 28: 1552-68.
iv Giudice LC. Clinical practice: Endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;362:2389–2398.
v Nnoaham KE, Hummelshoj L., Webster P, d'Hooghe T, de Cicco Nardone,F, de Cicco Nardone C, Jenkinson C, Kennedy SH, Zondervan KT, World Endometriosis Research Foundation Global Study of Women's Health, consortium. Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertility and Sterility. 2011:96:366-373.
vi MM, Silverberg K, Olive DL. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. IN: Copeland LJ, Jarrell JF, eds. Textbook of Gynecology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2000:687-722.
vii The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Education Pamphlet AP013: Endometriosis. Washington, DC: September 2008. ISSN 1074-8601.
viii Mayo Clinic. Diseases & Conditions: Endometriosis Fact Sheet. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20236449. Accessed February 1, 2016.