Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has welcomed the announcement of a new endometriosis awareness programme run by the Health Service Executive, saying education and awareness are essential to improving understanding of women’s health.
The HSE has engaged two education officers to deliver the comprehensive MISE programme, Menstrual Information Specialising in Endometriosis. The initiative aims to educate people, particularly in schools, sports clubs and workplaces, about menstrual health with a specific focus on endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, including the ovaries, pelvic cavity, peritoneum, bladder, bowel and ureters. According to the World Health Organisation, it affects an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide.
Deputy McGreehan, who lives with endometriosis herself, said the programme represents an important step forward in improving awareness and understanding of the condition.
When I first entered Leinster House as a senator in 2020, issues such as endometriosis, fertility, reproductive health, and miscarriage were barely spoken about. That has changed significantly in recent years, but there is still more work to do.
Like many women, I suffered with pain for years before I understood what was happening. It was Dr Google that first pointed me towards what my symptoms might mean. That should not be the case anymore.
Educational programmes like this are essential in helping young girls and women understand their bodies better. They also send an important message that women do not have to suffer in silence, and that their pain should never be ignored.
Symptoms of endometriosis can include severe pain during menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating and nausea. The condition can also affect fertility, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination and mental health. Stage four is considered the most severe form of the disease.
More than 200,000 people in Ireland are living with endometriosis. Deputy McGreehan said programmes like MISE will help address a long standing gap in education by empowering girls and women to recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate medical care.
The pain that many women in my generation experienced was often dismissed or misunderstood, and we were simply told to cope with it. That should not be the experience of young girls today.
By helping young women understand their bodies better, we are giving them the knowledge and confidence to expect better healthcare. We must ensure that the treatments they need are not elusive but accessible here in Ireland.
