World Endometriosis Research Foundation launches at ASRM opening ceremony in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, 22 OCTOBER 2006: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) are proud to announce the first global endometriosis project initiated jointly by these three professional organisations: the establishment of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation.

The World Endometriosis Research Foundation is the first global charitable organisation with an aim to foster research into endometriosis to improve knowledge and treatment(s) of this enigmatic disease.

Endometriosis affects tens of millions of women around the world, yet its origin is poorly understood, most treatments have side effects, and there is no cure. Endometriosis is commonly associated with infertility and pain in women. The symptoms can leave a woman unable to finish an education or maintain a career and have a significant effect on her quality of life as well as a substantial socio-economic impact.

The Foundation will achieve its aim of fostering research by providing a platform to attract sufficient funding from a variety of sources to:

An early deliverable will be the establishment of a global research/epidemiology registry.

Says founding trustee Professor Robert Schenken: “The ASRM, ESHRE and WES have recognised the lack of large scale international clinical trials in endometriosis, the lack of overall funding for research into the disease and, not least, the potential overlap of effort from country to country when centres work in isolation and can’t share data.

This collaboration will allow us to share vital resources within the endometriosis community and work towards improving our knowledge about prevention, early diagnosis and treatment”.

The Foundation is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, but will operate globally. Its board has representatives from all three founding organisations, with the first board comprising:

Professor Robert Shaw (United Kingdom) – president
Professor Linda Giudice (USA) - vice-president
Professor G David Adamson (USA)
Professor Thomas D’Hooghe (Belgium)
Dr Stephen Kennedy (United Kingdom)
Professor Robert Schenken (USA)
Dr Martyn Stafford-Bell (Australia)
Professor Carlos Sueldo (Argentina)

The board has appointed Lone Hummelshoj as Chief Executive.

It is possible to make donations to endometriosis research via the Foundation’s website: www.endometriosisfoundation.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, is found in other areas of the body (mainly in the abdominal cavity). This tissue responds to a woman’s hormonal cycle. However, unlike blood in connection with the period, it remains within the body, where it bleeds and forms lesions, blood-filled cysts, and adhesions, resulting in inflammation, pain, infertility, and potentially other medical problems. Symptoms include: Painful menstruation, ovulation, intercourse, bowel movements, urination; fatigue; bloating, nausea, heavy bleeding; sub-fertility; and possibly a susceptibility to develop other diseases, including certain cancers. Treatments include: painkillers, birth control pills, hormones, surgical removal and, for some, hysterectomy. For most women, side effects are associated with all of these treatments, and none of them cure the disease. See also: www.endometriosis.org/endometriosis.html

2.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) was founded in 1944 as a multi-disciplinary society to help form key legislation and fight for reproductive rights when public policy in reproductive matters did not exist. Since 1950 it has published Fertility and Sterility, and it also produces guidelines, minimum standards, committee opinions, and technical and educational bulletins. See also: www.asrm.org

3.
The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) was founded in 1985 to promote the study and treatment of reproductive biology and medicine. It promotes research, organises education and advanced medical training activities, and publishes Human Reproduction. See also: www.eshre.com

4.
The World Endometriosis Society (WES) was founded in 1998 to foster research and promote the exchange of clinical experience, scientific thought and investigation among gynaecologists, endocrinologists, scientists, biologists and other qualified individuals interested in advancing the field of endometriosis. See also: www.endometriosis.ca

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