Endometriosis is viewed as a chronic, gynecological disease affecting women, but this conceptualisation excludes people who do not identify as women who also suffer from the disease’s destructive effects, according to Stellenbosch University’s Dr Rizwana Roomaney. PHOTO: Jamie Venter
Researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) recently launched a study into transgender and non-binary people’s experience of living with endometriosis.
This is according to Cheryl Eder, counseling psychologist and the lead researcher conducting this study as part of her PhD through the psychology department at SU. The study launched in March, with applications to be research participants ending on 30 April.
“This research may fill a gap in understanding this disease’s impact on transgender and non-binary people,” wrote Eder in email correspondence with MatieMedia. Eder explained that endometriosis is a painful and chronic disease which affects women’s reproductive organs, as there is abnormal tissue growth on the uterus that can have a destructive effect on their daily lives.
“Currently there is minimal research in this area and most studies focus on endometriosis being a women’s disease,” wrote Eder. “It seemed that transgender and non-binary people’s voices were missing in endometriosis studies.”
The requirements to participate in a new Stellenbosch University research study on the experience of transgender and non-binary people living with endometriosis are listed in this infographic. GRAPHIC: Jamie Venter
A disease affecting more than women
Previous research viewed endometriosis as a chronic, gynecological disease affecting women, which is how it has been represented in research, the medical field and mainstream media, according to Dr Rizwana Roomaney, Eder’s supervisor on this study. “This conceptualisation of endometriosis as a disease that only affects women excludes so many people who do not identify as women,” wrote Roomaney via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
This study “allows us to think about endometriosis beyond the boundaries of gender”, wrote Roomaney. “[Eder’s] thesis is important, because we are gaining insight into the experiences of those who are often marginalized and not treated with sensitivity in the healthcare space.”
This sentiment was echoed by SU Student Representative Council (SRC) member and Womxn and Queer Empowerment (WAQE) manager Alex Vink. “[Eder’s research] helps shed a light on transgender and non-binary individuals. It allows for people to see how easily they are overlooked, and how we forget the health implications that people across the spectrum of gender can experience,” wrote Vink in email correspondence with MatieMedia.
“I would like to applaud Cheryl Eder. I think her work will become more than just a study. But hopefully an inspiration to fellow academics to become more inclusive, and ignite a new conversation around gender-inclusivity in the healthcare sphere and the university at large,” stated Vink.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) are launching a study into transgender and non-binary people’s experience of living with endometriosis. Cheryl Eder is a counseling psychologist and the researcher conducting the study as part of her PhD through the psychology department at SU. PHOTO: Supplied/Cheryl Eder