To mark Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine will host a special documentary screening of "Below the Belt" followed by a panel discussion. The documentary focuses on women's health and healthcare, told through the lens of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a complex disease in which cells similar to the lining of the uterine cavity are found elsewhere in the body, causing pain, inflammation and organ dysfunction. An estimated 1 in 9 women suffer from this chronic, painful disease. Despite its prevalence and the toll it takes on millions of lives, the condition often is unrecognized, misdiagnosed and inadequately treated.
"The chronic pain can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional and social issues that severely impact a woman's quality of life," said Dr. Xiaoming Guan, professor and division chief of minimally invasive gynecological surgery in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor and Texas Children's Hospital.
The film follows the personal, inspiring stories of four patients urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, exposing the healthcare challenges women face along the way. After the screening, a panel of Baylor endometriosis specialists will discuss their multifaceted approach to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Event co-sponsors include Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, the Endometriosis Foundation of Houston and Endo What?
"Endometriosis sufferers have an increased incidence of anxiety and depression not only due to the constant pain but also because they often go through numerous healthcare providers in their search for relief," said Dr. Karen Horst, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor and staff psychiatrist at Texas Children's.
The film, from director Shannon Cohn, will be screened Saturday, March 4, from 1-3 p.m. at the Cullen Auditorium at Baylor College of Medicine (1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030). Tickets range from $10 to $15. Reserve your spot here.
