The Diva Team had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Theresa Davidson from the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) about their advocacy, projects and events. The following is just a snapshot of the wonderful work taking place!
1. What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a debilitating disease affecting one in ten women of childbearing age in the United States, and 176 million women worldwide. Symptoms include painful and heavy menstruation, chronic back and pelvic pain, gastrointestinal and urinary tract difficulties, pain during sexual activity, and pregnancy loss and/or infertility. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus (the same lining that is normally shed out during menstruation) implant in areas in which they should not. Affecting women and girls in the prime of their lives, endometriosis has the potential to derail academic endeavors, careers, sports and physical fitness, as well as motherhood.
2. What can women and young girls do to help alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis and like conditions?
It is most important that women and girls seek treatment as soon as they suspect something is wrong. This is a critical hurdle for successful endometriosis care. Once diagnosed, there are many effective interventions to manage endometriosis symptoms. These include hormone therapy, pain relievers, acupuncture, physical therapy, and even teas and herbs. While there is no cure for endometriosis, the gold standard for disease treatment involves the removal of endometrial implants through laparoscopic excision surgery performed by a specialist.
3. How can cycle charting and period care help in endometriosis management and treatment? Why is it so important?
Many women who suffer from endometriosis do not get diagnosed right away allowing for disease progression and unnecessary pain. This problem is so common that the average time to diagnosis is ten years after the onset of symptoms. Additionally, some of the symptoms of endometriosis (for example, headaches, nausea, vomiting, back pain, etc.) mimic those of other diseases or may not appear to be related to the reproductive system. Therefore, when girls chart their cycle, they allow their doctor to find patterns between their period and the symptoms they are experiencing. Cycle charting also allows women and girls to be in tune with their body so they can prepare for expected symptoms.
4. Describe the work of the EFA and the tools and resources it offers to patients, caregivers, school staff, and healthcare professionals?
Over the last seven years, the EFA has addressed the endometriosis public health crisis through its extensive programmatic work. Specifically, we gather healthcare professionals, patients, and loved ones at our annual events including the Nurses Conference, Medical Congress, and Patients’ Day; we conduct advocacy activities to encourage increased funding and support for endometriosis care and education; we have recently launched the nation’s first endometriosis tissue bank to facilitate ground-breaking research relating to this disease; and we increase awareness and promote early intervention through our education and outreach program.
The EFA strives to be the ultimate resource for the endometriosis community through our website and direct communication with our constituents. Specifically, we provide comprehensive content on our site for patients, loved ones, and healthcare professionals; we distribute printed literature, including posters, handouts, and pamphlets, upon request; we offer a screening tool available for download on our website that is designed to help school nurses and parents identify potential cases of endometriosis; and lastly, we are developing an endometriosis-specific mobile app to enable users to access extensive endometriosis information and to track their symptoms through a cycle journal.
5. Can you explain a bit about what you do at the EFA, and the education and outreach program?
My job at the EFA is to oversee our adolescent education and outreach program, The ENPOWR Project, which promotes early detection and intervention. Through this initiative, we visit adolescents at schools and community-based organizations to present information about how to recognize the signs of endometriosis, and how to seek help if it is needed. We also educate school and organization staff on the signs and symptoms, so that they are equipped to assist any adolescent who may be dealing with endometriosis. This disease can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about and we want to remove the stigma, and make endometriosis part of everyday conversation.
6. How can others get involved?
We are in the process of expanding The ENPOWR Project to reach other geographic areas and are always looking for committed individuals who are dedicated to improving health outcomes. Additionally, the EFA supports groups or individuals looking to host a grassroots endometriosis event such as a walk or charity drive. Anyone interested in joining our community should visit our site
Theresa Davidson, MEd, MPH, Director of Education and Outreach, EFA
Theresa is a public health practitioner who has been working with adolescent and underserved populations for the past six years. Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia, she relocated to New York where she earned her Master’s degree in secondary science education and Master of Public Health degree. Her experience is varied as she has worked on a randomized controlled trial investigating behavior change models within New York City’s juvenile justice system, implemented health education in rural Tanzania, and worked to improve outcomes in public healthcare facilities in South Africa. Theresa joined the EFA in September and is thrilled to combine her background in education and public health through The ENPOWR Project.
