A big thank you to London-based singer-songwriter Liam Modlin and Le Café Vivant and its audience, in Switzerland, for supporting endometriosis and spreading awareness.

Endometriosis affects around 6-10% of women of reproductive age. It is a disease that works like cancer, although it won't kill you. So far, no cure has been found and there is little money that goes into research.There are theories as to why endometriosis happens, however it is still a mystery what causes this disease. It takes on average 8 years for a sufferer to be diagnosed (through laparoscopic surgery for a definite diagnosis), due to the lack of general public and medical awareness. It is also due to the fact that endometriosis mimics many symptoms of other conditions and worsens with time.

Cells similar to uterine cells develop inside and/or outside the uterus, causing growths parasiting and/or affecting other organs; they are most commonly found on the bladder, bowels and, in some cases, in areas such as the sciatic nerve, diaphragm and lungs. The only site endometriosis has not been found in is the spleen! These endometrial growths produce their own oestrogen causing hormonal disbalances. They bleed in areas where there is no exit for this blood, thus causing cycles of inflammation and scarring.This disease therefore causes a life of physical and emotional pain with its chronic daily symptoms for a vast number of sufferers - symptoms ranging from different types and levels of physical pain (also depending on where the implants are), mood swings, depression, extreme fatigue, lowered immune system, IBS, cystitis, developing allergies, abnormal/irregular bleeding, miscarriages or infertility, amongst many other symptoms.

It is a disease that worsens with time and is known to return rapidly after attempted treatments. The treatments used are all at their best temporary solutions, which include surgery or hormonal treatments that have many side effects too.

It is a very 'undermined' and disregarded disease. Around 80% of the population is unaware of it or is misinformed of its severity and its impact on the sufferers' daily life quality.

I therefore wish to raise awareness and funds for research towards a cure.

 

 

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