HealthPlus Marks World Endometriosis Day at its Women’s Health Clinic

Region’s leading network of specialty clinics, HealthPlus partner with Bayer to raise awareness

Abu Dhabi, 24 March 2015: HealthPlus, UEMedical's growing network of premium outpatient centers based in Abu Dhabi, marked World Endometriosis Day at its Woman's Health Center in Al Karama Street.

In collaboration with pharmaceutical giant Bayer, the center hosted a four hour discussion session designed to raise awareness of endometriosis, symptoms and possible treatments.

Endometriosis is a painful disorder affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide caused by the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells), similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. More common in women who are experiencing infertility than in fertile women, the exact cause has not been identified and for many sufferers it can be symptomless.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Nabil Abou Tratour, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology at HealthPlus Women’s Health Center said: “There is very little awareness amongst women about endometriosis and we felt this was the perfect opportunity for us to reach out to them. Many women could be suffering in silence or experiencing pain they wrongly attribute to menstrual cramps. Endometriosis should not be shrouded in mystery; as a leading cause of pelvic pain that could lead to hysterectomy in severe cases, it is imperative that early diagnosis is encouraged.”

He added, “At HealthPlus Women’s Health Center, we are committed to educating ladies and their families on various health topics that directly affect their wellbeing. We operate an open-door policy and actively encourage patients to make appointments to discuss any issue, no matter how small with our highly specialized doctors and nurses.”

The four hour awareness session was held in the gynaecology clinic in the female waiting area with patients receiving brochures and information packs about endometriosis from nurses and doctors that were also on hand to address patients’ questions on the disorder.

Razan Ghattas, Product specialist in Women’s Health at Bayer said, “Hosting community drop-in sessions on subjects where there is little awareness, such as endometriosis, is crucial to helping ladies of reproductive age know more about all the factors that could affect fertility. We applaud HealthPlus for seizing the initiative to spread the message that endometriosis need not be something to be afraid of and can in fact be diagnosed and treated quite easily by experienced professionals.”

Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and experience no symptoms. Rough estimates suggest that between 20% - 50% of women being treated for infertility have endometriosis, and up to 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain may be affected.

The HealthPlus Women’s Center specializes in women’s healthcare and is part of the wider HealthPlus network incorporating HealthPlus Fertility Center, HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology, HealthPlus Family Clinic and the soon-to-open HealthPlus Children’s Center.
About HealthPlus

As a member of the health matrix, HealthPlus diligently pursues UEMedical’s multiple missions of delivering world-class patient care and improving long-term health of the general populace.

To become the region’s premier Primary and Specialty Care Network. With proficient and compassionate healthcare professionals, modern facilities and state-of-the-art technologies, we are on our way to becoming one of the most progressive and advanced healthcare providers in the region. We deliver uncompromising levels of medical excellence, patient-centeredness and unparalleled levels of customer service, offer superior performance in an atmosphere where we are proud to set new standards of medical innovation and proficiency and improve long-term community health through regular screening and early detection, and promoting health awareness and education.

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