In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) launched the “OYE: Sobre la Endometriosis y el Dolor Pélvico, Oriéntate y Edúcate” campaign to foster open discussion about endometriosis, encouraging women to openly talk about their symptoms without stigma. The campaign, as detailed in a news article published on Metro, aims to enlighten both women and their partners about the seriousness of this condition, which affects an estimated 75,000 women in Puerto Rico alone.
Dr. Idhaliz Flores, a professor at PHSU and co-founder of Sur180 Therapeutics, emphasized the severe and disabling pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, which can impact women’s quality of life from menarche to menopause. Notably, Flores pointed out the delay in diagnosis that Puerto Rican women face, averaging nine years from the onset of symptoms. Research under her guidance has shown that 80% of Puerto Rican adolescents experience menstrual pelvic pain, with four in ten reporting severe and disabling pain.
The campaign “Break the Silence, Together Against Endometriosis” includes various initiatives such as the documentary “Below the Belt,” patient testimonials on social media, webinars for students, and an educational campaign for supervisors and human resources staff in both public and private sectors.
Under the leadership of Dr. Flores, alongside Dr. Caroline Appleyard, Dr. Annelyn Torres Reverón, Dr. Bárbara Barros, and Dr. Giselle Cordero, the Ponce Research Institute at PHSU is conducting cutting-edge research on menstrual health, immunotherapy for endometriosis, stress and mental health management for endometriosis patients, exercise, and non-hormonal pharmacological treatments for endometriosis. This research reflects PHSU’s commitment to advancing knowledge and improving medical care for all women affected by this condition.
Dr. Flores concluded by stressing the importance of understanding the seriousness of endometriosis symptoms and making informed health decisions. She advocates for affected individuals to seek medical support when necessary, highlighting the campaign’s role in advancing the conversation and support for endometriosis care. “Rompe el silencio, Juntos Contra la Endometriosis” (“Break the Silence, Together Against Endometriosis”) serves as the motto for this comprehensive campaign, which is aimed at bringing together the community in support of those affected by endometriosis. For more information about the “OYE” campaign, please visit https://www.psm.edu/oye/endometriosis/.
Reference
sur180therapeutics.com 