Women's Healthcare IE - Q1 2023

Women’s Healthcare Q1 2023 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

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“GPs encourage opportunistic screening and prevention of long-term health conditions.”

“As life continues, and we move into this new post-Covid-19 world, it’s important for us not to lose the motivation for connection.”

Dr Nóirín O’Herlihy, Director of Women’s Health, ICGP

Aisling O’Gorman, PR & Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland

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Delivering better quality of life during and after gynaecological cancer Women are urged to be aware of the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and treatment side effects to enable them to seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.

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he Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) aims to improve overall health and wellbeing for women following a cancer diagnosis by providing evidence-based survivorship services.

It also works to raise awareness of symptoms and deliver trials to help people after treatment.

Cancer treatment side effects Donal Brennan, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at University College Dublin, says: “When a woman finishes her cancer treatment, she will have side effects and complications, many of which are not fully addressed because the major focus is on treating the cancer.”

Since its launch in 2020, WHI — with centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway — has conducted the ‘menopause after cancer study,’ which found that a new management algorithm for people who cannot have hormone replacement therapy after cancer treatment, appears to be effective.

Meanwhile, a ‘sleep after cancer study’ will examine the value of cognitive behavioural therapies after cancer, while the COMFORT trial will focus on psychological interventions to help with stress and anxiety.

Warning signs and symptoms To address the information gap, WHI established thisisGO.ie with content on gynaecological cancers (ovarian, uterine, cervix, vaginal and vulval) and information for people with a genetic disposition to a gynaecological cancer (Lynch syndrome and carrying a BRCA mutation).

Professor Brennan, who is the WHI lead in Dublin, says as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, WHI uses the BEAT acronym for spotting warning signs: B (Bloating); E (feeling full early after Eating); A (Abdominal or pelvic pain); and T for Toilet and any changes, particularly in urinary frequency.

As there is no screening test, anyone with a family history of ovarian cancer should be particularly aware of the symptoms.

Professor Brennan concludes: “These symptoms are common, and we do not want to make people worry every time they feel bloated, but if they are persistent for three or more weeks, we ask that women see their GP and have an ultrasound scan to assess if there are any problems with their ovaries.”

Donal Brennan Professor of Gynaecological Oncology, UCD WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

Paid for by GSK

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We hope that it will eventually lead to the development of a national programme for cancer survivors.

Making journeys easier for women after cancer treatment The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) began in 2020 as a project aiming to improve overall health and wellbeing for women following a cancer diagnosis.

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first-of-its-kind project for Ireland supported by the Irish Cancer Society, the WHI is based across three locations nationwide in Dublin (Mater Misericordia University Hospital, St Vincent’s University Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital), Cork (Cork University Hospital) and Galway (University Hospital Galway).

Initiatives and studies As well as offering access to in-hospital clinics and virtual support for the many complex — yet often unaddressed — issues facing women during and after their cancer treatment, the WHI includes a range of innovative studies focused on specifically identified areas of need. We hope that it will eventually lead to the development of a national programme for cancer survivors.

In the WHI’s Dublin team led by Prof Donal Brennan, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at UCD, this involves studies into the effects of menopause after cancer; how women’s sleep is impacted after treatment; and our Diagnosis Delivery Project which sees all newly diagnosed patients who attend a gynaecological clinic receive a business card with details of their diagnosis, treating doctor and nurse on it, along with an image of where the cancer is.

Customisable platform Another novel aspect of the WHI has been the development of the thisisGO.ie platform.

The primary objective of thisisGO.ie is to provide relevant, reliable information to patients and survivors of gynaecological cancers and related genetic conditions. It is a multimedia platform available for five cancers: cervical, ovarian,

uterine, vulvar, vaginal and two inherited cancer predisposition syndromes: BRCA and Lynch Syndrome. Healthcare professionals can also create their own specialised profiles on the platform.

As per the needs identified by patients consulted by the project team, thisisGO.ie provides the following: • An individualised, blended platform, including over 300 pieces of written information material and 40 videos, podcasts and patient stories, allowing users to develop a bespoke profile based on where they are in their journey from diagnosis, to surveillance and recurrence • A national directory of services for Irish women living with and after gynaecological cancer • A symptom tracker • A ‘decoding the science’ section describing seminal trial results The platform has over 100 collaborators including national and international experts, all of whom donated their resources and time free of charge.

These innovations can help make life during and after cancer easier to manage for women, specific to their personalised needs.

Yvonne O’Meara Systemic Psychotherapist, UCD Women’s Cancer Survivorship Research Coordinator, Irish Cancer Society

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An individualised and tailored experience for patients

procedure is as comfortable as possible, as a Consultant Anaesthetist is present at every procedure to deliver sedation and or analgesia.

Caring for patients Merrion Fertility Clinic is Ireland’s only not-for-profit fertility clinic, and we pride ourselves on offering evidence-based care to all.

Undergoing fertility treatment can be a very stressful and difficult time.

Not all fertility journeys are the same, and it remains important to offer an individualised and tailored experience for all patients, allowing them to effectively plan for the future.

W Dr David Crosby Clinical Director, Merrion Fertility

e, at Merrion Fertility Clinic, treat couples who are experiencing infertility, a common disorder estimated to affect one in six couples in Ireland. We provide egg freezing to those who wish to seek this option for social or medical reasons, including adolescents and young adults who may require egg freezing prior to undergoing cancer therapy.

We provide care to single women and same-sex female couples who opt to conceive using a donor. Our expert team of embryologists work closely with our patients to help them choose the right sperm donor for them.

Steps involved in treatment You can make a self-referral for the treatment you are interested in on our website. A patient coordinator will then get in touch with you to set up an appointment with one of our highly qualified fertility Doctors to discuss treatment options.

Before this appointment, we will arrange some basic investigations, including a blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan. These tests are performed in our clinic, where you can meet our experienced team of nurses and midwives. If you have a male partner, he may need to attend for a semen analysis.

When undergoing treatments such as IVF or egg freezing, patients can be assured that the egg collection

A breakthrough in HPV screening: a hope to defeat cervical cancer Every year in Ireland, about 290 women get cervical cancer. Almost 90 of them die from it. In women aged 25 to 39 years, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer and the 11th most frequent cancer among women in Europe.

H Monika Destruelle Sr. EMEA Product Manager, HPV, BD

PV cervical screening was introduced in March 2020.

This will mean fewer false negatives, as it’s a better way to screen for cervical cancer. It is available to people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 in Ireland.

Despite vigorous cervical cancer screening programmes and high-profile campaigns from charities such as Jo’s Trust, screening is still not reaching 20% of people with a cervix in Ireland.

Reasons for skipping Monika Destruelle, EMEA Senior Product Manager HPV for global medical technology company BD, says there is a myriad of reasons for the 20% or so women who do not go

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for screening.

“It might be that they feel too embarrassed, hold certain religious beliefs, find it uncomfortable — or they will skip their appointment that day because they simply didn’t have time,” she says.

“Over half of all cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who have never been screened or have not been screened in the previous five years — a situation that has been compounded by the global pandemic. There were large disruptions in services and programmes.”

Elimination goal Things are set to improve with an at-home, self-collection method

We have a close relationship with the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, with many of our Doctors also working in the Hospital as Consultant Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This allows our patients continuity of care and the option to begin and continue their journey with us.

We provide preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) services to check embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and to identify the embryos with the best chance of developing into a healthy pregnancy.

Undergoing fertility treatment can be a very stressful and difficult time.

Our multidisciplinary team is here to help. Our experienced counsellors can offer emotional support throughout the journey.

You can fill out a referral form on our website: merrionfertility.ie

of testing. Additionally, in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer.

“WHO says that the 70% of women should be screened by 2030 — that is their target,” says Monika. “At-home, self-collection has the most potential to help address the urgent public health challenge of reaching women who do not regularly attend or have access to cervical cancer screening.”

The BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay received the industry’s first at-home, self-collection claim for HPV screening (CE-marked). It is approved for use with samples collected using appropriate devices outside of healthcare facilities.

Home collection kits Monika says: “We believe that self-collection can help increase participation. Every woman that is screened is a gain. It will eventually become the routine method for screening because of other factors like the rapidly decreasing workforce and the increasing need to make cost savings.”

Monika concludes: “However, screening alone is not enough.

Only with a combination of good screening programmes and the HPV vaccinations will we eventually reach our goal of eradicating this type of cancer.”

Paid for by BD Ireland

The home collection kit will comprise a swab and instructions on how to do the quick test. It is then returned to the relevant testing labs via posting.

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Dearbhaile Collins Medical Oncologist, Cork University Hospital, and Co-Chair of the Cancer Trials Ireland Disease-Specific Study Group for Gynae & Ovarian cancer trials

Groups and initiatives contribute to gynaecological cancer care

Women in Ireland have an open and trusted relationship with their GP which is developed over the years, as they attend the GP throughout their life course.

Over 2,000 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed annually in Ireland, making it one of the most common cancers among women in Ireland.

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ynaecological cancers, which affect the female reproductive system (chiefly the ovaries, womb, cervix, vagina and vulva), have been a topic of discussion in Ireland over the last few years in ways they previously were not. This is down to many factors, but certainly, new resources — including new cancer clinical trials — have contributed to this increased awareness.

gynaecological cancers that can be personalised to the user. The overarching goal is to help diagnose women as early as possible to implement an effective treatment plan.

The World GO Day Dip and Dance Campaign last autumn spoke to the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and staying active as a means to reducing the risk of developing uterine cancer. It was a wonderful example of what the gynaecological oncology community Clinical trials can achieve working are currently together.

Cancer clinical trials in Ireland Clinical trials are currently open in many open in many gynaecological Funding cancer subgroups.

These initiatives gynaecological These trials be cancer subgroups. wouldn’t have made possible without novel anticancer the Irish Cancer treatments available, Society’s Women’s which underscores the importance Health Initiative, whose €400,000 of bringing new trials to Ireland: investment was a catalyst for a They provide treatment options total investment of €890,000 over that simply would not otherwise be two years from a range of funders. available I want to recognise and applaud the role the Irish Cancer Society Key players plays funding clinical research and More broadly, groups like the raising awareness on screening and Irish Network for Gynaecological vaccination for gynaecological and Oncology (INGO), the Irish Society other cancers, ahead of its Daffodil of Gynaecological Oncology (ISGO) Day fundraiser on March 24th 2023. and organisations such as OvaCare, With increased awareness around all campaign alongside Cancer Trials the early detection of gynaecological Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society, cancers and accessibility to clinical to increase awareness and education. trials for these patients, Ireland Resources include the website continues to strive towards creating www.thisisgo.ie which contains a better future for women who have videos and articles on all gynaecological cancer.

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Dr Nóirín O’Herlihy Director of Women’s Health, Irish College of General Practitioners

From cradle to grave: how GPs can support women in various life stages

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he GP’s practice is a safe space where a huge range of health-related issues can be resolved.

initiatives to encourage women to attend their smear when it is due.

Crucial support in post-reproductive years Helping women in their early years In the post-reproductive years, In the early years, women often GPs can provide women with attend their GP if they have individualised menopause care. GPs problems with their periods — encourage opportunistic screening whether it be painful periods and and prevention of long-term health are worried about the possibility of conditions. endometriosis or absent or irregular In 2022, the ICGP published periods and concerned about a guide for GPs so that they are polycystic ovarian syndrome. supported to provide high-quality GPs and their Practice Nurses can menopause care including lifestyle provide advice on contraception, advice, hormone replacement sexual health, vaccinations, breast therapy and alternative awareness and provide a safe space to non-hormonal options for disclose possible domestic violence menopausal symptoms. and abuse. Mental The GP will also health including discuss cardiovascular anxiety, depression health (address risk GPs encourage and eating disorders factors including opportunistic have become more blood pressure, prevalent since the cholesterol, weight), screening and Covid-19 pandemic, advise screening prevention of and GPs are often the including cervical first point of contact in long-term health screening, breast these cases. check and bowel conditions. screening and Important decisions in advise on lifestyle the middle years management of In the middle years, GPs provide menopausal symptoms. additional services including Bone health is critical in these pre-conception counselling, advice years, and GPs will advise on on sub-fertility and antenatal care. adequate vitamin D and calcium Postnatal follow-up is recognised as intake, weight-bearing exercises and a very important part of a woman’s the need for a DEXA scan to screen care to ensure breastfeeding support, for osteoporosis. support for women who may suffer post-natal depression and good Helping women take care of their bodies pelvic floor health.

The Irish College of General Some high-risk women will require Practitioners would like to see a additional long-term screening, structured programme developed including those who have suffered for women so that the life course pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. approach to Women’s Health could GPs will remind women of the need be standardised across GP practices for cervical screening, and many across Ireland. practices have developed innovative

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Prepared to bring the next generation of breakthrough therapies to cancer patients One way or another, cancer touches all our lives. Globally, approximately one in five people will receive a diagnosis of cancer within their lifetime.

A Miriam Adamson Oncology Business Lead, Pfizer Healthcare Ireland

t Pfizer, we are driven by our purpose to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives and our belief that, ultimately, science will win against the greatest health challenges of our lifetime.

Every day, we work boldly to translate our cutting-edge science into effective medicines and holistic solutions for people living with cancer so they can live longer and healthier lives.

Cancer affects all of us Some of the highest rates of new cancer incidence are within developed regions and countries around the world including European countries like Ireland, where more than one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

Behind the numbers are people — it’s us and the people we love. This is why nothing is more personal or more urgent than our goal to find breakthrough medicines for these deadly diseases.

This motivates all of us at Pfizer every day, and we share that goal with healthcare providers, patient advocates, caregivers, payers, biopharma companies and everyone living with cancer around the world.

Over the past decade, we’ve adopted bold, new approaches to translate scientific research into effective medicines for people living with cancer.

We have taken significant learnings from the development and rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in collaboration with BioNTech, realising that it is possible to make the impossible possible and produce a vaccine in nine months.

We are committed to leveraging this experience throughout our research and development endeavours within oncology to bring innovations that transform patients’ lives at lightning speed.

Paid for by Pfizer

Patients first: breast cancer resource Our commitment to Irish patients was a huge motivator for establishing the ‘What’s Breast for Me?’ website. The online resource, from Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, aims to support, empower and inform those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in Ireland.

It helps answer key questions that patients with such a diagnosis may have, through the provision of digestible information, such as ‘How do doctors make treatment decisions?’ and ‘What matters most to you?’

The website contextualises, localises and personalises the options available to each person diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and affords them the opportunity to manage their diagnosis needs in discussion with their healthcare provider. Since we launched the website last year, hundreds of Irish women have availed of this helpful resource.

Oncology: our pipeline Globally, we have a portfolio of 24 cancer medicines and biosimilars — these include targeted therapies for some of the highest cancer mortality causes across Europe. Now, we are focused on delivering the next wave of breakthroughs.

Our teams are committed to taking a patient-centric and collaborative approach to discover a new generation of medicines that can target specific tumour types, overcome resistance and attack hard-to-treat cancers earlier.

Working with other stakeholders We also know that our breakthrough medicines can’t save lives if they can’t get to the people who need them. We are working with a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers and advocacy groups, to raise awareness of the unmet needs within cancer and the innovations that could change people’s lives.

Together, we’ve made meaningful progress, but our work is far from finished. Thousands of people in Ireland are living with cancer, and millions more will receive a diagnosis in the future. They are the reason we will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on our purpose: breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

Find out more at pfizer.ie

With the right support for metastatic breast cancer, you can keep doing what matters most.

Discover more about metastatic breast cancer.

whatsbreastforme.ie The What’s Breast for Me? campaign is funded by Pfizer Healthcare Ireland. This advert is intended for residents of the Republic of Ireland. The information provided within the website is intended for general information and education and is not intended to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patients.

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©2023 Pfizer Healthcare Ireland | PP-IBR-IRL-0604 Date of preparation: February 2023

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Providing women in menopause with the right support and guidance In recent years, I have noticed a steady increase in female patients looking for support to navigate the wide range of changes they are experiencing as they transition through their perimenopause and menopause.

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers.

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he menopause is an area of health for women in Ireland that has changed over the past decade.

Being a GP with a special interest in women’s health, I am passionate about delivering good care to women at all stages of their lives. Like many other healthcare providers in Ireland with the same interest, we know that providing women with the right information can have life-changing effects and measurable benefits in health.

Understanding your body The average age of menopause is 51 in Ireland, and is defined as being 12 months since the final period. However, 1% becoming menopausal before the age of 40, which is known as premature menopause.

In reality, women can experience menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disturbance, weight gain and loss of libido in the run up to menopause. This is known as the perimenopause. Regular monthly periods can behave differently with more erratic bleeds and sometimes heavier bleeds.

The changing levels of hormones that come with the menopause bring changes in both physical confidence and emotional strength. What may have been effortless for the same woman in her 20s and 30s can now be difficult and a struggle in menopause.

Finding support and guidance With the right medical support and guidance, women will be empowered to take back control of their life. Getting to know what is happening in the body at this time and how choices made around diet, lifestyle and exercise are the foundations of good menopausal health. With carefully chosen hormonal support for the individual woman, difficult menopausal symptoms can be targeted, along with added positive effects such as strengthening bones.

My advice to women that have any concerns relating to the menopause, is to start today and look for support. There are many caring and experienced GPs providing specific support to women who are looking to transition smoothly through their menopause.

Dr Eva Flynn GP with a special interest in Women’s Health, Moycullen Medical Centre, Moycullen, Galway. Lecturer, Discipline of General Practice, University of Galway

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How much of an impact do female hormones have on our bodies?

If you have a female reproductive system, then you will go through perimenopause. It’s up to you to educate yourself about hormones and discuss the possibilities with your doctor – nobody else will do this for you.

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ur bodies have been sending us messages constantly since puberty with clear instructions for the day ahead. Enter your mid to late-30s, and the messages don’t come some days. What are the messages, you ask?

Understanding female hormones Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers.

They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another. The endocrine system (which releases the hormones) influences every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. Our life since puberty has been all about hormones. As women, we need to understand their importance and what may happen without them.

Why oestrogen is an important hormone Our vaginas and bladders are greatly affected by hormones. You will, all of a sudden, be getting new bouts of urinary infections, thrush and urgency, among others. The vagina needs local oestrogen.

Vaginal atrophy, which essentially means the ‘wasting away’ of the vagina, will happen without oestrogen. This can lead to a prolapse, and even worse, sepsis from an infection.

Menopause only happens for one day Menopause is only for one day — the day you have been period-free for 12 months or 24 months if under the age of 50. The day after this one day, you are then post-menopause. Welcome to the rest of your life without hormones.

So, do you get the picture? There isn’t a centimetre of our body that doesn’t have a hormone receptor.

Every woman needs to be equipped with this information, and more people should understand how female hormones work. To sum it up — ‘When you hear hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras!’

Hormones are like a lubricant; when they’re gone, the body will stiffen up.

Female hormones affect various parts of the body Our bones can begin to deteriorate, lose mass and may later on lead to osteoporosis. Our hearts rely on oestrogen too; it needs it to protect our arteries and blood vessels. Moreover, brains are full of hormone receptors. Our digestion – yes that is also affected. Did you know that even your gut has hormone receptors? Receptors are everywhere.

Our joints will end up hurting too. No, it’s not just getting old. Hormones are like a lubricant; when they’re gone, the body will stiffen up. You will have an awful lot of unexplained aches and pains.

You may even be diagnosed with a new onset of conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Sallyanne Brady Founder, The Irish Menopause

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The type of urinary incontinence determines the best treatment Treatment for urinary incontinence involves more than strengthening pelvic floor muscles and depends on the cause of the bladder leakages.

A Aoife Harvey Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist

Paid for by Tena

common misconception about urinary incontinence is that weak pelvic floor muscles are to blame. “The cause of the leak is actually damage to connective tissue or ligaments — not pelvic floor muscles,” says Aoife Harvey, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at the Health Dublin Physiotherapy Clinic.

“What we’re trying to do with pelvic floor exercises is strengthen the muscle to compensate for that damage.”

neighbour,” Harvey adds. “So if people have problems with emptying their bowels, that can impact their bladder.”

Urge incontinence is when the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily, causing a sudden urge to urinate, even with a low volume of urine in the bladder. Age and hormonal factors such as oestrogen changes can provoke an overactive bladder, but the cause isn’t always clear.

Treatment and products to help with urinary incontinence Pelvic floor exercises can work — in some cases — for Types of urinary incontinence stress incontinence. Anybody experiencing Harvey says that the effectiveness symptoms of incontinence or a change in The word ‘stress’ in of pelvic floor exercises depends on bladder control should seek advice from a the type of incontinence — stress medical professional. stress incontinence incontinence or urge incontinence Community pharmacists will also have relates to physical (overactive bladder). “Both these good advice on what products are available types cause leakages, but for different including liners, pads and pants to help strain, not reasons and requiring totally different people enjoy their daily routines treatments.” psychological stress. without worry.

The word ‘stress’ in stress Urinary incontinence needs to be more incontinence relates to physical strain, openly discussed for men and women as it not psychological stress. It occurs when an activity or is common pre and post-birth, during the menopause as action such as coughing, laughing or heavy lifting causes well as various life stages including the ageing process. a leakage. Vaginal childbirth is the most common cause of stress incontinence.

“Our urethra, the tube that releases urine from the bladder, is only about three centimetres long, so when TENA provides incontinence pads and products to people of all ages to continue to live an a baby passes through the vagina, it’s easy for it to get active life. Trusted by millions, TENA helps people stay secure, dry and odour-free. We offer stretched,” says Harvey. products that help manage urinary incontinence, leakage and bladder weakness day and night.

Other factors that contribute to stress incontinence are genetics, age, lifestyle habits such as diet and smoking For more information, please visit tena.ie — and bowel issues. “We say the bowel is the nosey

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Connecting with others and how saying ‘hello’ is good for mental health Connecting with others is central to our wellbeing. It is a truly beautiful thing, and we see it all around us — walkers/runners, café-goers, colleagues, friends and families.

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s women, it is often hard to find time to connect.

Not just meeting up with people but having a space where you feel a sense of closeness and belonging — where you feel valued and heard, without judgement and afterwards, you feel nourished and supported.

Aisling O’Gorman PR & Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland

As life continues, and we move into this new post-Covid-19 world, it’s important for us not to lose the motivation for connection. For some, it has been easier to re-establish the feeling of connection and social routines. For others, it has been more difficult to navigate this new world along with this appetite for connection.

The natural need to connect with other people After a few difficult years, it’s clear that we have developed a deeper understanding of the need for connection. There’s an inherent need for us to connect; and over the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw the negative consequences of not being able to fulfil that need. Isolation didn’t come naturally to any of us, and as a result, there now seems to be a newfound appreciation and appetite for social connection.

Reach out and connect with others to help It’s the perception of feeling alone, rather As life continues, and than how many connections someone actually has, that can contribute to poor we move into this mental health. It’s a privilege to be in a new post-Covid-19 space to reap the benefits of connecting. conscious that not everyone has that world, it’s important Be privilege. Reaching out and connecting for us not to lose with others can help to share the benefits of connection. the motivation for The Mental Health Ireland ‘Hello, How connection.

Are You?’ campaign on March 30th aims to tackle the lack of connection that people experience by inspiring us to ask how others are feeling. This allows people to listen and Five ways connecting with others is good for our mental health encourage action by providing information about local support and services.

• Lowering rates of anxiety and depression If you feel strongly connected, take this as your sign to • Increasing self-esteem reach out and say hello to someone new. If you’re feeling • Feeling supported and valued disconnected or alone, this might be your moment to reach • Giving us a better sense of purpose out and talk to someone, join that hiking group, • Feeling happier and more secure book club or class. Be brave; say ‘Hello.’

For more information, on the ‘Hello, How Are You?’ campaign, visit hellohow areyou.info

To find out more visit hpvaware.ie

Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin D18 X5K7 Ireland

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IE-GSL-00129 Date of Preparation: November 2022

Are you HPV aware?

22/11/2022 12:29

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Getting a diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed as the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. ~Roisín Carroll, Board Trustee, Endometriosis Association of Ireland

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What are the signs of endometriosis — and the rights that come with it?

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

E Roisín Carroll EAI Board Director/Trustee, Endometriosis Ireland

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ndometriosis is commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder and peritoneum, but can sometimes be found outside the pelvic area. These deposits create an inflammatory reaction that leads to pain and adhesion formation. Symptoms often worsen at different times of the menstrual cycle such as at ovulation and during menstruation.

this procedure to avoid subsequent surgery and take a tissue sample for analysis.

Management of endometriosis If a person suspects they have endometriosis, their GP should refer them to a specialist who can investigate further and decide on the best course of action.

Once diagnosed with endometriosis, management of the condition will depend on how severe the symptoms are and also take into consideration the patient’s desired outcomes (eg. fertility preserving, pain management, Getting a diagnosis of etc). Treatment usually includes pain endometriosis is often medication, hormone therapy and/or delayed as the symptoms surgery.

Symptoms of endometriosis Some people don’t experience any symptoms of endometriosis.

However, for many people, endometriosis profoundly impacts their quality of life. Common symptoms include: can be mistaken for • Pain prior to or during periods Endometriosis and your employment rights • Pain during ovulation In addition to medical treatment, other conditions.

• Fatigue/lack of energy patients often need extra support from • Bloating their workplace to help them deal • Continuous pelvic, lower back and leg pain with the condition. It is often helpful for employers to • Infertility know about the associated health information in order to support an individual — for example, by making Getting diagnosed reasonable accommodations.

Getting a diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed as The Endometriosis Association of Ireland has developed the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. The an Employment Law Guide which provides practical only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is with information and guidance for employers and employees to a laparoscopy; a surgical procedure performed under a help navigate the law as it may apply to those living with general anaesthetic that allows the surgeon to investigate endometriosis. for signs of endometriosis using a small camera. The surgeon may be able to treat the endometriosis during

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For more information visit: endometriosis.ie endometriosis. ie/employmentlaw-guide/

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One in five young women and 1 in 11 young men aged 18–25 in Ireland have been subjected to intimate relationship abuse.

Relationship abuse is not something to look past, even in young people

One in five young women aged 18–25 have been subjected to relationship abuse by a current male partner or ex, which can include emotional, physical, sexual and online abuse.

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hen we think about ‘domestic abuse/ violence,’ we often think about middle-aged and older women; we imagine a woman living with an abusive partner, who is married and may have children. We don’t often think of it happening to young women. The reality is you don’t have to be living with a partner for them to be abusive towards you.

Mary Hayes Too Into You Project, Women’s Aid

How common is relationship abuse?

Many of young people — in particular, young women — are abused by a current partner or ex. Over half (three in five) young people have experienced, or know someone who has experienced, intimate relationship abuse.

One in five young women and 1 in 11 young men aged 18–25 in Ireland have been subjected to intimate relationship abuse. In all cases where women were subjected to intimate relationship abuse, this abuse was perpetrated by a current or former intimate male partner.

Forms of relationship abuse Emotional abuse is by far the most common, with 9 of 10 young women abused subjected to it. Sustained emotional abuse can have more serious and long-term impacts than physical abuse. Even though it’s so common, one in three never told anyone that they were subjected to emotional abuse. Moreover, many don’t know how to spot the red flags of abuse or where to seek support.

For young women, the abuse lasted an average of 1.4 years. One in six young women and 1 in 13 young men have been subjected to coercive control by a partner or ex-partner. Coercive control is a persistent pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour by a current or former partner or spouse. An alarming 51% of young women affected first experienced this abuse under the age of 18.

Relationship abuse is a massive threat Of the one in five young women who were abused, 84% said that the abuse had a severe mental and physical impact. This includes loss of self-esteem; anxiety and depression; withdrawal from family and friends; giving up work or college; suicidal thoughts/attempting suicide; needing treatment for physical injuries; and living in fear.

The negative impacts of abuse can be long-lasting and life-changing for young women. Abusive partners can prey on vulnerabilities, and a controlling or violent partner can cause a huge setback at the beginning of their adult life.

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If you are worried for yourself or someone you know, you can call the Women’s Aid 24Hr National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or chat to Women’s Aid on the Instant Messaging Service at toointoyou.ie

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One in four women die from heart disease or stroke: how to prevent it Women need to take stock of their heart health, as their risk of heart disease and stroke rises as they move through menopause.

O Janis Morrissey Director of Health Promotion, Information and Training, Irish Heart Foundation

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ne in four women die from heart disease or stroke, yet many women do not realise they are at risk. According to the Lancet, cardiovascular disease in women is under-researched, underdiagnosed and under-treated; and women are underrepresented in clinical trials compared to their male counterparts.

in Ireland last year, making women six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than breast cancer.

Early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors are essential if we are to improve women’s heart health and reduce early deaths in women. According to research carried out by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation, almost one-third (30%) of women do not feel they have enough time to focus Effects of oestrogen decrease on heart health on their health every day.

The risk of heart disease and stroke The good news is that 80% of premature The good news is that increases for everyone as they age. But heart disease and stroke is preventable 80% of premature heart through changes to your lifestyle. Most for women, the years around menopause disease and stroke are an important time to care for your women already know what makes a heart health due to changes in hormones, healthy lifestyle, but the many demands is preventable primarily the decrease of oestrogen. of modern life can get in the way. Some through changes to Oestrogen helps to protect women by ideas include trying to manage stress, your lifestyle. keeping the blood vessels flexible and starting a conversation with your helping maintain healthy cholesterol healthcare provider, exercising regularly levels. When this protection is lost, some and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. risk factors for cardiovascular disease increase. This can result in the stiffening and weakening of the blood Learn about health in your own time vessels, increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure The Irish Heart Foundation’s Her Heart Matters website and changes in body shape, weight, muscle and fat www.herheartmatters.ie provides useful resources for stores. These changes occur often alongside common women looking to implement small, sustainable changes menopause symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, to their lifestyle to safeguard against cardiovascular vaginal dryness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. disease, including a free self-care and wellbeing journal, personal experiences of living with heart disease and Simple routes to a healthy lifestyle stroke and a self-assessment quiz.

A total of 4,145 women died from cardiovascular disease

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