Nova Scotians with endometriosis suffer without adequate supports

HALIFAX– Today, March 1, marks the beginning of the first Endometriosis Awareness Month in Nova Scotia following the passage of the NSNDP’s Bill in the Fall 2023 sitting of the legislature.

“Endometriosis affects your whole life. I had to give up so much, missing work and life because I was in too much pain to move,” said Faith Lamoureux of Dartmouth. “I waited many years for a diagnosis. When I finally got treatment, my disease was so advanced it was the size of two six-inch subs in my body and I needed extensive surgery.”

Though it affects 1 in 10 women and people with uteruses, Nova Scotians with endometriosis spend years in debilitating pain, with poor understanding of the disease and long wait times for treatment. Once referred to the IWK’s Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, those suffering routinely wait 18 months or more to be seen.

“This condition is hardly talked about and that is why we need a month to educate the public, politicians, physicians, and health care professionals about this,” said Susan Leblanc, NSNDP Health and Wellness Spokesperson. “Research shows that endometriosis has cost the Canadian economy $1.8 billion a year, yet many suffering from endometriosis spend years unaware that their symptoms are abnormal.”

The NSNDP will mark the start of Endometriosis Awareness Month in the legislature by welcoming guests and sharing stories of the struggle to get care for Endometriosis in Nova Scotia.

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