Smith pushes for better awareness of endometriosis

A topic regarding women’s health appeared to fall on deaf ears among the majority of male councillors during a recent meeting of Cavan County Council.

Councillor Áine Smith raised a motion requesting improved services for women’s health, particularly in endometriosis. The condition is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Addressing the meeting, the recently appointed Fianna Fáil representative stated that the issue affects at least one in 10 women.

“Unfortunately, it may only be picked up in some women when they are having difficulties conceiving,” she explained.

“This disease is as prevalent as diabetes, yet it is poorly understood. As a result, it is consistently underdiagnosed. There is not enough publicly funded research dedicated solely to reproductive health. Even worse still, it can take an average of 10 years to get a diagnosis.”

Educate

Cllr Smith also highlighted that the majority of women affected by endometriosis are forced to seek medical attention abroad due to the lack of knowledge and resources provided regarding the issue in Ireland.

“Ireland should mirror an educational programme called ‘Me Programme’ in New Zealand,” surmised Cllr Smith.

This programme educates young girls in schools about the signs and symptoms of endometriosis.

Her motion requested Minister for Education Norma Foley to consider including the education of endometriosis in the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum at both Junior and Senior Cycle.

“Young girls and women need to be better informed about their reproductive health,” Cllr Smith said.

'Hurts like a cancer'

Speaking candidly of her own personal experience living with the illness, Cllr Patricia Walsh, stated she was first diagnosed in her early 30s.

“It’s very poorly understood and hard to diagnose,” explained the Fianna Fáil councillor.

“A lot of people are going under the radar.”

Speaking about the stage four level of endometriosis, Cllr Walsh continued: “ It’s like a cancer, it grows like a cancer and it hurts like a cancer.”

While all female councillors present were quick to support the motion, the majority of their male counterparts remained silent.

Breaking the trend, Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley supported the motion, stating his belief the illness would have an impact on affected females, both mentally and physically.