Milpitas City Council recognizes Endometriosis Awareness Month

At last Tuesday’s meeting, the Milpitas City Council proclaimed March Endometriosis Awareness Month. 

Endometriosis Awareness Month is widely observed in March each year to shed light on a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting 190 million women and girls worldwide. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs.

Symptoms of endometriosis can vary, but common ones include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and infertility.

Despite its prevalence (affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age), endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or dismissed as normal period pain. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, causing significant physical and emotional distress for those affected. There is currently no cure for endometriosis. 

Karina Dominguez, who is a former Milpitas Vice Mayor and Councilmember, came to the podium to speak after Mayor Carmen Montano read the proclamation…

“It is important for us to not only bring awareness but also to ensure that our community brings a cohesive environment to those that suffer with endometriosis,” said Dominguez, who is also part of Democratic Activists for Women Now (DAWN). “Stereotypes such as calling somebody angry, crazy, misfit…are all stereotypes that affect those that are showing the first signs of this chronic illness. I know that because I have it.” 

Dominguez told The Beat that DAWN members “engaged in a meaningful discussion about this condition and decided to take action by offering awareness, tools, and a sense of community to those affected by endometriosis.”  

DAWN has collaborated with the cities of Milpitas, Santa Clara, San Jose, Campbell, and Morgan Hill, along with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, to bring more awareness of and support to those living with endometriosis.