Pro Mujer Inc.

17/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 18/12/2024 11:00

Pro Mujer and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation Present Research on Endometriosis

Pro Mujer and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation Present Research on Endometriosis

Negative experiences surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are not isolated cases. Laura consulted 40 gynecologists before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Angelica's doctor lied to her, telling her that he had removed her ovaries and that she would no longer feel pain, but the pain only got worse. For her part, Jimena* had her uterus removed without her consent.

These stories are part of the study "An Overview of Endometriosis in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia," carried out by Pro Mujer with the support of the Johnson & Johnson Foundation. Based on research and the development of awareness and education campaigns, the study seeks to raise awareness about the current situation of this frequently ignored condition in the region and highlights the urgency of establishing more inclusive health policies that respond to the needs of women.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects more than 190 million girls and women of reproductive age worldwide. In Latin America, this condition remains poorly recognized, with limitations in terms of diagnosis and treatment, especially in rural and low-income areas.

Chronic pelvic pain, bleeding, infertility, and other mental and physical health problems are just some of the debilitating symptoms of this condition. However, many people with the condition face significant barriers to accessing proper diagnosis and treatment. The normalization of menstrual pain and the stigmatization of symptoms contribute to perpetuating this situation.

According to the Chilean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2023), between 15% and 50% of women with chronic pelvic pain or infertility have endometriosis. Despite this, many do not receive an adequate diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge among both the general population and medical personnel.

A deep look at the reality of endometriosis in Latin America

The research study, carried out in Chile, Argentina, and Colombia, included interviews with diagnosed women, health professionals, and focus groups. The results revealed an alarming lack of knowledge about endometriosis in both the medical community and the general population. Up to 42% of health personnelinterviewed in these three countries reported not having received specific training on the disease, which contributes to late diagnoses and inadequate treatments.

One of the most important challenges identified is the normalization of menstrual pain, which leads many women to accept severe pain as normal and avoid seeking medical help. The study highlighted that 35% of health professionals consider certain symptoms, such as bleeding and pain, as "normal," which delays both diagnosis and the start of timely treatment.

The study's findings are an urgent call to improve the training of medical personnel and to develop educational programs that inform women about their health rights and the symptoms of endometriosis. The research suggests the need for a cultural shift to recognize the real impact of the disease on women's lives and establishes recommendations for public policies that include the creation of support networks and specialized health services.

The main recommendations of the study include:

  1. Continuing educationfor medical and health personnel on specific women's health topics, such as endometriosis.
  2. Development of awareness campaignson menstrual pain and women's health to combat stigma and change cultural perception.
  3. Creating community and family support networksthat assist women to recognize and share their experiences, building a safe environment to talk about menstrual health and associated problems.
  4. Inclusive and accessible policiesthat ensure the availability of specialized health services for endometriosis, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

"This research highlights a historical debt owed by society and health systems to women who suffer from this disease in silence. It is essential that we work on awareness campaigns, training, and early diagnosis to change the endometriosis landscape in Latin America," said Marcela del Águila, Global Director of Health at Pro Mujer.

In addition to the data obtained, the research had a significant educational component: digital campaigns were carried out to reach more than 9,000 people in the three countries; 60%of them gained new or more knowledge about endometriosis and the importance of seeking medical help when faced with severe symptoms.

Endometriosis represents a significant burden not only on the physical health but also on the emotional and social well-being of those who suffer from it. With this initiative, Pro Mujer and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation reaffirm their commitment to transforming health systems so that this disease is recognized, diagnosed, and treated appropriately. This study is a crucial step toward more inclusive, empathetic, and specialized healthcare.

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