As part of Endometriosis Action Month, the West Kent Endometriosis UK support group hosted a webinar with Mr Ahmed El Gohari, consultant gynaecologist at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and the Trust’s Lead for Endometriosis.

Endometriosis Action Month, held every March, aims to increase awareness of a condition that affects an estimated one in ten women.

Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, which can cause inflammation, scarring, and significant pain. Common symptoms also include fatigue, bowel or bladder discomfort, and difficulties with fertility.

The webinar, titled ‘A Journey Through Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain’, covered current theories about the causes of endometriosis and outlined the broad range of symptoms experienced by those living with it. Mr El Gohari also described how he and his team perform investigative laparoscopy surgery (keyhole surgery with a small camera).

Attendees were also given an overview of the latest research and emerging medical treatments, including new drug options now available. Following his presentation, Mr El Gohari held a Q&A session, answering over 30 questions submitted by attendees.

The discussion covered topics such as the difference between general gynaecologists and endometriosis specialists, available treatment pathways, recovery following hysterectomy, and practical advice for managing symptoms.

A spokesperson for Endometriosis UK West Kent said: “All our members in the West Kent Endometriosis UK support group would like to sincerely thank Mr El Gohari for agreeing to hold a talk and Q and A session for us. We all suffer from endometriosis, which is often debilitating and deeply affects our lives, and having a specialist who is keen to engage with us and also offer a space to answer our questions is an incredible thing.

“We are very grateful for his time and very much look forward to hearing him share his knowledge with us during his talk.”

Reflecting on the event, Mr El Gohari said: “I was delighted to join the West Kent Endometriosis UK group for this session. Endometriosis is a complex condition that affects every part of a person’s life, so sharing knowledge, answering questions and ensuring patients feel supported is incredibly important.

“I am grateful to everyone who attended and for the thoughtful questions that were asked.”