“Women, your voices will be heard at Duality!”
Dr Bláthnaid Carlin from Duality Healthcare is passionate about providing women with the care and attention they deserve. Don’t suffer in silence with worries about Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer – access specialist services today.
As a GP, I see countless women struggling with symptoms they’ve been told are just part of being a woman. Painful periods, bloating, fatigue: these are often dismissed, yet they could be signs of conditions that deserve serious attention. Two important conditions to be aware of are endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Both can significantly impact health and quality of life, but with the right knowledge and access to care, early detection and management can make all the difference.
Endometriosis: More Than Just Bad Periods
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women – translating to around 190 million women, girls and people with wombs and ovaries globally, yet it often takes years to diagnose. It happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the bladder or bowel. This tissue bleeds during each menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes fertility issues.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent period pain that doesn’t improve with standard pain relief
- Pain during or after sex
- Heavy periods
- Bloating (often called Endo Belly)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and vertigo
Despite how common it is, endometriosis is frequently dismissed. Many women are told to just take painkillers or that it’s normal. It’s not! If your period pain is interfering with your life, it’s time to get help.
What can be done?
While there’s no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms. Options include hormone therapies (like the pill or coil), strong pain relief, and even, where necessary, surgery. At Duality Healthcare, we can help assess your symptoms, arrange necessary tests, and refer you quickly to specialists if needed. We even have a nurse specialist who can place contraceptive coils and implants if needed.
Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Threat
Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. However, early detection is key when caught early, survival rates improve significantly.
Symptoms to be aware of:
- Persistent bloating
- Feeling full quickly or struggling to eat
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Changes in bowel habits
These symptoms can be subtle and mimic less serious conditions like IBS, which is why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late. But if symptoms are persistent and new for you, they should never be ignored.
What can be done?
At Duality Healthcare, we offer CA-125 blood tests, which can indicate ovarian cancer risk. While this test isn’t diagnostic on its own, it’s a crucial first step. We also offer ultrasound imaging in our clinics if the womb and ovaries or your kidneys and bladder need assessed. If needed, we can arrange urgent referrals, ensuring you’re seen quickly by a specialist.
Advocating for Your Health
Too often, women’s health concerns are brushed aside. We need to change that narrative. If you feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts and seek help. You know your body better than anyone else.
At Duality Healthcare, we are passionate about providing women with the care and attention they deserve. Whether it’s investigating symptoms, arranging tests, or securing fast-track specialist referrals, we are here to help. Your health matters. Your voice matters. And you deserve to be heard.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want expert and empathetic support, reach out to us at Duality Healthcare. Early action can be life-changing.
Duality Healthcare Newry
6-8 Savages Terrace, Edward Street,
Newry, BT 35 6AT
Tel: 028 3083 3606
Duality Healthcare Galgorm
Units 21 & 22, The Courtyard,
Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, BT42 1HL
Tel: 028 3083 3606
Duality Healthcare Omagh
27 Campsie Road,
Omagh
Tel: 028 3083 3606
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