- Conference
- 2003 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 23 October 2002
- Decision
- Carried
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the womb lining (endometrium) is found outside the uterus.
It is estimated that 10% of women of childbearing age have endometriosis, irrespective of age or race.
Nobody knows how it is caused, but for those who suffer from the condition symptoms can include:
1)Pelvic pain;
2)Painful periods;
3)Painful sex;
4)Lower back pain;
5)Ovulation pain;
6)Fatigue U lethargy;
7)Bowel or bladder pain;
8)Irritable Bowel Syndrome;
9)Infertility.
The diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult. There is widespread ignorance of its symptoms among women and general practitioners alike. It is under-resourced, leading to delays in diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and a postcode lottery for patients seeking to gain access to the relevant expertise.
Conference notes that at last year’s conference the National Women’s Committee was instructed to:
a)Raise awareness throughout UNISON;
b)Affiliate to and publicise information about the National Endometriosis Society;
c)Investigate and publicise the various forms of treatment available;
d)Write a leaflet about endometriosis to be included in the Women’s Health Pack;
e)Liaise through our Affiliated Political Fund links to lobby Parliament to fund more research into endometriosis.
Building on the work already undertaken Conference further instructs the National Women’s Committee to:
i)Liaise through our Affiliated Political Fund links to lobby Parliament to fund and sustain awareness raising initiatives to highlight the condition of endometriosis for the general practitioners, women and the general public alike;
ii)Liaise with the National Women’s TUC Committee to raise awareness of the condition of endometriosis so that each affiliated union can take the message back to their respective women’s networks to raise the issue and awareness;
iii)Report back to Conference 2004 progress made to date.