Soroptimist International of SVG facilitate lecture on endometriosis

Some women in this country are now better informed about a condition that can impact them, whether or not they are able to have children.

As part of their mandate to improve the lives of women and girls in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Soroptimist International SVG (SISVG) facilitated a lecture on endometriosis,{{more}} which was held at the Passports and Immigration Office last Wednesday.

Endometriosis is a common worldwide disorder, where endometrial tissues in a female’s uterus are deposited outside of the uterus.

Presenter, Dr Camille Nicholls, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, explained that while endometriosis is not fatal, the quality of life for affected women is seriously affected.

“It is a female disorder, but we all have girlfriends and mothers and sisters, so I’m happy to see a few guys in the audience, so I’m sure you’re going to find it very beneficial, because you will be able to understand things better when your partner or sister has a bit of pelvic pain,” Nicholls said.

She noted that a woman can experience painful, chronic inflammatory reactions when endometrial tissues, which are shed each month through the menstrual cycle, are deposited on organs and structures surrounding the uterus. Nicholls also indicated that one of the results of endometriosis can be infertility.

The gynaecologist, in her presentation, focused on signs and symptoms of the condition and other pertinent information that was relevant to the health topic. She also interacted with the audience and had the full attention of the male individuals, who were among the first persons to begin asking questions.

Deputy chief immigration officer Beverly Walker thanked SISVG for involving the Immigration Department in the awareness initiative. She noted that while officers are exposed to training and the gathering of information in all aspects of their job, there is a need for workers to be informed in other critical areas.

“We are aware that if one is not healthy or is uninformed on various health issues, then this can have an adverse effect on one’s performance in the job. Although endometriosis is a woman’s health issue, it is also of great importance that our male members of staff be privy to information about it also,” Walker said.

Shannon Durrant-Samuel, communications officer and vice-president of SISVG, also delivered brief remarks.