Endometriosis support group calls for better pathways for IOM women  

One in ten are diagnosed with the condition 

The founders of an endometriosis support group says women on the Isle of Man need access to specialist care. 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and one in ten ladies suffers with the condition which causes severe pelvic pain, heavy periods and infertility. 

Sharon Lunt and Karen Van Den Berg say there are 262 members in their Manx Endometriosis Support Facebook group with ‘most still awaiting diagnosis’. 

'There's usually a pattern in the questions that people ask which is usually how do I access the right surgery or a diagnosis, that's the main focus'

An awareness walk will take place on Saturday (29 March) at St John’s Methodist Hall from 2pm - it's being organised by member Zara Chadwick.

They told Chanelle Sukhoo that endometriosis care is a worldwide problem and a pathway is needed for Island residents to the UK: 

Chloë Love has suffered from endometriosis since the age of 12.

She told Manx Radio while she’s thought of getting treatment done privately a consult would cost up to £1,000 and surgery could be between £10,000 and £20,000 - a figure she couldn’t afford. 

At the end of 2023, she had surgery but the pain and follow-up appointments since haven't ended: 

'I would have never thought that having been told that my ovaries stuck to my womb that I would be sent off on my way and told I'll see you when you get the results back and then be sent for an appointment for December' - Chloë Love

PETITION

A petition calling for more support for women with the condition is still available online.

Zara Chadwick has set up the survey - and petition - which she hopes will highlight the plight of women suffering.

Over 200 signatures have been collected so far.

You can find it HERE.

NEWSCASTS

You can listen to the full interview with the founders of Manx Endometriosis Support Facebook group here: