Prof.Yücel Karaman, President of Turkish Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Society, explained us all about endometriosis. 1 out of 10 women in Turkey faces chocolate cyst (endometrioma).

Social awareness on endometriosis has been raised greatly this year on 24th of March 2018, World Endometriosis Day. Turkish Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Society had the greatest role in these campaigns. They have been increasing awareness for chocolate cysts (endometriomas) for many years.
Turkish celebrities also supported our society for the awareness activities this year. Famous reporter and tv programmer Serap Pakoz, famous state pianist Gulsin Onay and famous actress Ayca Varlier released videos to support the campaign. Press releases on chocolate cysts also helped spreading awareness activities.
We had a delightful interview with Prof.Yucel Karaman on the Turkish Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Society’s national and international activities.

Our celebrities supported Turkish Endometriosis& Adenomyosis Society’s World Endometriosis Day activities this year. Congratulations for your success. How much do Turkish women know about chocolate cysts?
Turkish women are not very aware unless they face the disease. Although, endometriosis can be seen in 2-3% percent of the population. Women who have painful periods, severe abdominal pain and infertility problems, might be facing this disease. Diagnosis of endometriosis can take to 5 to 7 years, not only in our country but all around the world. This can cause our patients to suffer from unnecessary pain and decrease in their quality of life.

What is the worse outcome of the chocolate cysts?
Chocolate cysts can cause many problems. These can be related directly with the chocolate cysts or indirectly with infiltrative endometrosis and adenomyosis that are commonly seen together with endometriomas. Chocolate cysts can cause severe pain, pain during menstruation and sexual intercourse or infertility. Deep infiltrative endometriosis can infiltrate bowels, nerves, bladder causing dysfunction of these organs. Adenomyosis (the form that infiltrates myometrium) can cause severe bleeding, anemia and infertility. To treat these matters, we first have to diagnose the disease. To decrease the 5 to 7 years of undiagnosed period, the awareness of the society should be increased.

What are your activities as The Turkish Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Society in the national and the international level?
We are organising many congresses, symposiums and workshops on the national and international level. We are also organising schools and meetings together with the municipalities for the society.

Only concern of the organisation is not chocolate cysts I believe. Pelvic pain and healthy sexual life are two of the many topics you are involved with. What are the topics you would say that the organisation is working on generally?
We are working on the pathologies that are related with endometriosis and their outcomes such as chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Physiotherapists, urologists, and general surgeons are also working together with gynaecologists in pelvic pain treatment centers.

It seems like you are the biggest endometriosis and adenomyosis foundation in Turkey. How many members do you have and are all your members are doctors?
Our organization have many active members while we receive active help from countless colleagues during our activities.