MP calls for endometriosis lessons in schools

Endometriosis is a condition that can cause chronic pain

A West Yorkshire MP is calling for children to be taught about endometriosis in schools.

The condition, which can cause chronic pain, affects about 1.5 million women in the country, according to national charity Endometriosis UK.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke said the lack of education surrounding it had "shocked" him, with the condition taking up to eight years to be diagnosed according to the charity.

The Department for Education said the new relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum has proposals to add menstrual and gynaecological health.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones lining the womb are found elsewhere in the body.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and breaking down.

Unlike the cells in the womb, which leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape and can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke described endometriosis as a "horrific" condition

In a parliamentary debate, due to be held on Tuesday, the Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell will call for schools to teach children about the condition in the same way they learn about reproductive health.

"So many women don't know what endometriosis is, it has shocked me," he said.

"If you don't know what a disease is, how do you know if you may have it?"

Sir Alec said both girls and boys should learn about all aspects of reproductive health.

"I think if more women are aware of the potential problems they may have from a young age, then I think that will actually go a long way to relieving some of the suffering that occurs with this terrible disease," he added.

Mathilde Barker was diagnosed with endometriosis after years of pain

Mathilde Barker, 20, from York, said she first noticed "awful back pain" when she was 12.

However, she never made the connection between the pain and her menstrual cycle and believed it was due to muscle strain.

"I saw physios and osteopaths for my lower back and pelvic pain, little did I know it was actually the start of my endometriosis," she said.

Ms Barker, who is training to become a professional dancer, was in and out of doctors appointments until her diagnosis aged 19.

"I had symptoms like loss of appetite, lightheaded dizziness and low mood," she said.

'Excruciating'

She continued: "I developed depression and anxiety, I was medicated and sent to cognitive behavioural therapy for medical anxiety."

Ms Barker described the pain as "excruciating" despite various medication and acupuncture remedies.

"If I had known about endometriosis when I was 12 I would have maybe made the link sooner.

"Young children would know the signs to look out for and they might be made more aware of what's happening in their body and know what to approach their GP with as they grow."

A Department for Education spokesperson said the new RSHE curriculum, currently open for consultation, will include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and heavy menstrual bleeding.

“Schools can further tailor their teaching to address the issues that their pupils face, including focusing on specific questions around health as part of the relationships, sex and health curriculum,” they said.

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