University event to raise awareness of endometriosis

The University of Wolverhampton is holding an endometriosis event aimed at shining a light on the condition. 

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

Around one and a half million women are living with the condition in the UK alone. 

To spread awareness about the condition, the University of Wolverhampton will host a screening of Below the Belt, an educational film that explores the condition, followed by a Q&A session with experts in women’s health. 

The panel of experts will include Dr Rosamund Malhas, a gynaecologist at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Clare Roberts Malloy, chief executive of charity Periods Matter and Lauren Kate, an artist and researcher with lived experience of endometriosis.

University staff and students who are researching women’s sexual health will share their work via a poster exhibition and there will be a small exhibition of Kate’s work as well as a donation drive for Period Dignity. 

Dr Debra Cureton, associate professor of equality in learning and teaching in the doctoral college at the university, said: “The screening of Below the Belt is a cross-university effort. 

“As a group, we are passionate about promoting period dignity, challenging stigma and supporting awareness of gynaecological health.

“Endometriosis is a crippling and chronic condition that is experienced by approximately 190 million women globally, yet there is no known cure. We want to highlight the lived experience of endometriosis and, hopefully, help people to better understand the condition.” 

The event will be held at the university’s Springfield Campus on Friday, May 17.