A decision to fund contraceptive pill Cerazette (desogestrel) from April 1 has been welcomed by Endometriosis New Zealand, and is timely; the decision coming during Endometriosis Awareness month.

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease estimated to affect 176million individuals worldwide in their reproductive years, and 120,000 in New Zealand.

As many as one in ten New Zealand women suffer from the disease and many have struggled for years prior to being diagnosed. 

The Central App editor Shannon Thomson has battled the disease for more than three decades.

“Endometriosis and chronic pain has dominated my life for as long as I can remember,’’ Shannon said.

“It’s been more than 20 years fighting for answers, of pushing through, of days and weeks unable to function, unable to walk and just passing out because of the pain.''

“I had my first surgery when I was 16 - I was lucky, endometriosis was common for women in my family so my mum and doctor were pretty proactive. I was 17 when doctors told me if I wanted to have children I would need to be thinking about my options and act now

as chances were really slim.’’

“In my later years the pain has been a daily constant and not limited to when I have my cycle - it's just the degree of pain that changes. 

The Central App editor Shannon Thomson has battled endometriosis for more than three decades.

“But still, I count myself as one of the lucky ones,’’ Shannon said.

“Endo is an invisible disease - so many women and girls are gaslit to think their experience is normal, that it's just “women’s problems’’ and they need to suck it up. It’s debilitating and demoralising.

Anyone experiencing endometriosis symptoms, or feeling something was not right in their body should trust their instincts and continue to push for answers, Shannon said.

A view from her hospital bed after surgery. PHOTO: SHANNON THOMSON

The theme of this year's Endometriosis Awareness Month is “Let’s talk Endo”; it aims to start a conversation about the disease and show sufferers they're not alone. 

Symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, bowel problems (sometimes misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome), painful intercourse, sub-fertility or infertility, tiredness and low energy, pain in other places such as the lower back, pain at other times e.g. with

ovulation or intermittently throughout the month, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), abnormal menstrual bleeding and bladder troubles like interstitial cystitis (IC).

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), is found in places outside of the uterus. 

It can be found on the pelvic ligaments, ovaries and bowel and can also be found in other places throughout the body such as in scar tissue, the belly button or lungs.

Internationally, there is a diagnostic delay of eight or more years from first presentation of symptoms to a doctor with diagnosis.

Learn more about Endometriosis Awareness Month here

Find information on local services on The Central App Health button

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