Lumenis supported the Worldwide Endometriosis March (EndoMarch), an international event to raise awareness about endometriosis. While the entire month of March is dedicated to raising awareness and empowering women with knowledge about endometriosis, this year’s EndoMarch, which actually is many marches all over the world, was observed March 25.

Raising awareness about endometriosis, a disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside it, is crucial to achieving earlier diagnoses and providing patients with earlier access to treatment. Women in the United Kingdom suffer an average of 7.5 years before receiving a diagnosis, research has shown.

Since its start in 2014, the EndoMarch movement has supported and encouraged thousands of women around the globe to unite in raising understanding about endometriosis, which causes chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding, and infertility.

Lumenis’ UltraPulse and AcuPulse are two surgical CO2 laser technologies, that are earning respect from leading endometriosis surgeons for their superior quality, according to a press release from the company.

These technologies are capable of operating with unique precision around delicate anatomy with minimal thermal damage, while preserving healthy tissue. The procedure precisely removes endometriosis lesions and results in less time needed to heal from surgery and lower disease recurrence rates. The procedure results in significant improvement of disease symptoms and overall improvement in patients’ quality of life. Fertility preservation rates also may be improved after the CO2 laser treatment, the company said.

Lumenis also has introduced www.gynhealth.com, an educational website for patients and their supporters.  The website offers visitors information about endometriosis and an overview of surgical treatment options.

“Endometriosis, though treatable, is one of the most overlooked epidemics facing the world today. Since women often erroneously attribute their symptoms to other causes related to reproductive health, they may be diagnosed later and remain untreated. These diagnostic delays may result in increased severity of the condition and challenges in conception,” said Camran Nezhat, MD, founder of the Worldwide EndoMarch. “EndoMarch calls on all women worldwide, those fighting endometriosis and supporters, to collectively raise awareness. Population and patient education are key in fighting this disease,” he said.

This year’s event took place cities across the the United States and around the globe, including Germany, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Australia and other countries. The largest chapter event was held in San Francisco, Calif., where Lumenis employees gave their support to the movement.

“Endometriosis impacts around 200 million women worldwide – that’s one in 10 women,” said Tzipi Ozer-Armon, CEO of Lumenis. “The advanced UltraPulse® DUO system demonstrates once again our commitment to developing technology that is dedicated to improving gynecological-related health conditions. EndoMarch serves as an ideal platform to educate women about endometriosis, its symptoms, risks and the treatment options available. We are pleased to be part of this annual international event and take action in driving awareness on an ongoing basis,” he said.