Endometriosis Education Outreach

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Endometriosis Education Outreach ABSTRACT Dysmenorrhea, painful periods, is the most common cause of absenteeism in young women. Endometriosis is the leading etiology; however, there is a median diagnostic delay of 8 years, with two thirds of patients noting that their symptoms were initially dismissed by their provider. Though providers play a role in the lack of detection and treatment of menstrual disorders and endometriosis, patients’ reactions to the menarche experience and knowledge of menstrual health are equally critical. Adolescents receive minimal formal menstrual health education, and thus are unprepared for menarche and the social stigmas that surround it. Our objective is to enhance the understanding of menstrual health, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis and foster a more constructive dysmenorrhea dialogue between reproductive age patients and their healthcare providers in order to reduce the time between presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. We will achieve this goal using a three-tiered approach for educational outreach. Educational Outreach 1 is implementation of a menstrual health curriculum in local middle and high schools. Educational Outreach 2 is implementation of a training program for university campus health providers in identifying and treating dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. Educational Outreach 3 is engagement of community stakeholders by raising awareness of menstrual health disorders and the need for formalized education programs. Informing patients, providers, and the public will facilitate early intervention and prevention of long-term sequelae of dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.