Best foot forward in bid to help step-up treatment for trans people in Oldham

Those transitioning from female to male are being left with the lasting legacy of the unequal health treatment they received - as women.

In fact, Oldham women’s health expert Dr Anita Sharma claims that they are even further down the pecking order because they also face stigma when treated at certain surgeries and hospitals in Britain, who give their needs “little thought”.

Speaking ahead of an awareness-raising march to launch Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Sharma said: “All of us in healthcare need to step into the shoes of our patients and show them empathy.”

The creator of the Endometriosis Awareness North charity added: “For some trans people, life has already been mentally and physically traumatic, but they are then left nursing conditions from their previous gender.

"Society already pays pitiful attention to the millions of women with endometriosis.

"For those who have transitioned, there is the prospect of even less support and attention from ALL genders.

"Endometriosis Awareness North is committed to raise awareness and provide help and support to women, trans men, and non-binary people registered female at birth experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, their families and carers."

A United States survey of transgender men showed that:

·       92% were anxious about visiting a gynaecologist.

·       54% had actively avoided getting screenings, smear tests or other important treatments.

·       The majority of trans people with endometriosis are diagnosed AFTER they've transitioned their gender (1).

Dr Sharma added: “Given that one-in-ten women have endometriosis, there is a fair chance that we are talking about thousands of people who are trans and have endometriosis.

"And if they feel stigmatised about this, what about cancer and other serious gynaecological conditions?”

The battle to better treat endometriosis (it can take up to eight years to diagnose this desperately painful condition) and support those with physical and mental health pain takes to the streets of Greater Manchester on Saturday, March 3.

Dr Sharma’s charity will be pounding the picturesque Queen’s Park to raise cash to fund research into the condition and support those living with it.

Crucially, they will also be there to raise awareness of endometriosis which is so misunderstood that respondents to a survey said it was a throat infection.

“Just as pink has become synonymous with breast cancer, we will be donning bright yellow to catch the eye. So, you are sure to spot us!” said Dr Sharma.

“Endometriosis is not a women’s problem, it is a human one, that affects the families and friends of those with it and indeed our trans and non-binary communities.

"Together, let us beat it.”

Learn more about Endometriosis Awareness North at: https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/

The walk for endometriosis awareness takes place at:

Queens Park

Saturday, March 9, 2024

from 11am

OL10 4XB

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