March is Enometriosis Awareness month
Endometriosis affects 1.5 (1 in 10) million women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, similar to the number affected by diabetes or asthma.
Endometriosis happens when cells similar to those in the lining of your womb, appear in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. When periods happen, these cells can build up and break away. This causes painful inflammation in surrounding tissues.
What are the impacts of endometriosis?
It can have a devastating impact on a woman’s education, personal and professional relationships, mental health, and quality of life. Heavy periods, extreme fatigue, pain in the lower tummy, pelvis, thighs or back are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced. Some women also have difficulty getting pregnant.
We're pleased to share that our partner Wellbeing of Women have provided us with the opportunity to learn more about this disease. Click here to register.
It's International Women's Day on the 8th March
This International Women's day we want to celebrate our partnership with Wellbeing of Women. Each year, millions of women benefit from their research, campaigns and health information. Our great news is that they have launched a Period Symptom Checker which can really help women to help manage and support their cycle. Just answer a few short questions and find out if you should see a healthcare professional. Click the box below to take you straight to the checker 💜
Don't forget we also offer FREE sanitary products across the business 💜
Just a Period
Millions of women, girls and people who menstruate suffer with severe period pain and heavy bleeding that disrupts their lives. Instead of getting the treatment and support they desperately need, they’re often dismissed and told it’s “Just a period”. Nobody should suffer from period symptoms holding them back.
Wellbeing of Women want to educate and empower girls and women to be in control of their menstrual health from their first period to their last. By knowing what a ‘normal period’ is, they can recognise when they need more help and have the confidence to advocate for their care.
We want to ensure that menstrual health never prevents girls and women from reaching their potential and enables them to thrive.
Tackling Health Inequality for Women From Marginalised Communities
Black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and the six-week period after, disabled women struggle to access life-saving screenings and women from ethnic minority backgrounds find themselves dismissed, with dangerous delays to getting treatment.
The Health Collective has emerged out of the urgent need to do more to ensure all girls and women receive the best care, regardless of their background or the community they belong to. It is made up of and led by grassroots organisations, representing women’s voices from every marginalised community in our society.
Cervical Cancer Screening
What is cervical screening
test?
Also known as a smear test, cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the womb that connects to your vagina. It checks for high-risk HPV and if positive, the cells are looked at to see if they are pre-cancerous. It’s not a test for cancer, but it can help prevent cancer by spotting any problems early. This screening is crucial as it helps to prevent cervical cancer.
Who should attend cervical screening?
You're automatically invited for screening if you are:
- Between the ages of 25 and 64
- Registered as female with a GP surgery
Trans men do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. Make sure you speak to your GP and ensure you are invited for screening if that applies to you.
What does cervical screening look for?
The test does not look for cancer itself, but for early cell changes that might develop into cancer. It looks for human papillomavirus (HPV) a virus that can cause abnormal cells. If HPV is found, another test is done to check for abnormal cells.
Caroline's Story
I was 36 when I first received an abnormal smear result, one year after I tested positive for HPV. I was called to have a colposcopy during lockdown and I had an appointment the following week.
The nurses and doctor were brilliant, very chatty and reassuring, making sure I was comfortable and that I knew exactly what was going on. They found some abnormal cells and were able to remove them right there and then. There were no further issues.
The smear a year after that showed the all clear. Knowing that cancer could have developed but was caught early was a relief. The smear test is a minor inconvenience that really could save you from having a nasty illness. I will always make sure I go for my smear tests when needed and I urge all women to do the same.
Do I need to go for screening if I’ve had the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine helps to protect against cancers caused by HPV and is given as one injection.
Boys and girls are offered the vaccine between 12 and 13 years old.
The vaccine does not protect against all subtypes of HPV, so you should still attend your screening even if you’ve had a vaccination.
Importance of regular screening?
Regular cervical screenings are vital for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Since the screening programme started, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved. The screening checks for high-risk HPV and, if positive, examines the cells for precancerous changes. It's not a test for cancer, but it helps prevent cancer by spotting problems early.
NEXT Partners with Wellbeing of Women
We're pleased to announce that we have partnered with Wellbeing of Women to support the amazing work they do to save and change the lives of women, girls and babies.
Together with Wellbeing of Women we will work to tackling the taboos surrounding women’s health and provide support and knowledge and raise awareness.
Watch this space on the future topics that we will explore with Wellbeing of Women.
Get Involved and Fundraise for Wellbeing of Women 🏃🏼♀️
Would you like to help support Wellbeing of Women by fundraising?
Check out our NEXT Giving site to see the events you can get involved in .
Check out all of Wellbeing of Women’s upcoming challenge events here.