Welcome to Our Endometriosis Resource Hub

African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) people in Canada can face barriers in diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis. This resource page was developed to improve awareness of and access to endometriosis care for the ACB community. The goal is to provide culturally sensitive information and resources to support understanding of symptoms, the diagnostic process and treatment options for endometriosis.

If you are experiencing pelvic or period pain or suspect you may have endometriosis, the resources below can help you learn more. It is important to note that these materials are for information only and are not for self-diagnosis. We encourage you to seek professional medical advice to explore your symptoms and find the care you need.

The links below provide information about health care providers who are experienced with endometriosis care for ACB patients, as well as for mental health support and pelvic floor physiotherapy – all of which are important for endometriosis care.

  • See here for Mino Care’s list of health care providers for endometriosis care. 
  • See here for Mino Care’s mental health services
  • See here for Mino Care’s pelvic floor physiotherapy services (scroll down, click through, complete intake form).

RESOURCES ON ENDOMETRIOSIS FROM THE SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS OF CANADA

YourPeriod.ca – Endometriosis

YourPeriod.ca is a public website that provides information about endometriosis, including what it is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. It’s a helpful resource for anyone looking to learn more about managing endometriosis.

Endometriosis HUB Webpage for Health Care Providers

The SOGC’s Endometriosis HUB webpage is designed for health care providers, offering clinical guidance and resources for endometriosis. It includes information for diagnosis and treatment, as well as patient-centred resources tailored to diverse groups like Indigenous, African, Caribbean, Black, and gender-diverse patients. The HUB page also provides materials for health care providers to share with patients to help them understand and manage their condition.

The SOGC Women’s Health Podcast

The SOGC Women’s Health Podcast hosts conversations with expert health care providers, patients and the public about what’s new and what’s important in the fields of obstetrics, gynaecology and sexual and reproductive health in Canada and around the world. The SOGC Women‘s Health Podcasts feature specific episodes about endometriosis and the needs of the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community in Canada.

Endometriosis: A Patient’s Journey

In this episode, Dr. Anifa Kalay and Sonia discuss Sonia’s personal experience with endometriosis within the Canadian health care system. The conversation emphasizes the realities faced by individuals living with endometriosis and their efforts to advocate for the care they need. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the importance of awareness, advocacy, and compassionate care in managing endometriosis! This episode is in English.

Endometriosis: One Patient’s Experience from a Black Health Perspective

In this episode, Debbie shares her story about endometriosis with Dr. Anifa Kalay. We follow Debbie’s journey to being diagnosed with endometriosis and her experience of accessing care in Canada. This episode is in French.

The Impact of Endometriosis and Fibroids on Black Communities

In this episode, Dr. Cindy Maxwell and Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass discuss the impact of endometriosis and uterine fibroids on Black health. The conversation highlights the disparities in care faced by Black individuals with these conditions and explores ways to improve understanding and support. Tune in for a discussion on key health issues and the need for equitable healthcare access for all! This episode is in English.

Video Podcast

This is a special episode of Mino Care’s podcast, The Mino Care Report, in partnership with the SOGC. In this episode, Dr. Tanya Williams, Denise Campbell, and Joanna Ukposidolo talk about the challenges, experiences, and future of endometriosis care and diagnosis for the Black community in Canada.

OTHER ENDOMETRIOSIS RESOURCES FOR THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN and BLACK COMMUNITY

Understanding Race, Health, and Patient Advocacy [article]

This article, authored by Women’s Health Education Made Simple (WHEMS), explores the impact of race on health care experiences and outcomes. It addresses how misconceptions about race contribute to disparities in areas such as nephrology, pain management, and obstetrics. Specifically highlighting the experiences of Black patients, the article underscores the importance of recognizing these biases to advocate for improved health care. It also offers strategies for both health care providers and patients to address and reduce these disparities, focusing on communication and self-advocacy. This article is in English only.

Mino Care Services [virtual & in-person health clinic]

Mino Care specializes in holistic virtual care focused on the perinatal period. Mino Care provides customized and culturally sensitive services. While their primary focus is on supporting individuals through pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period, they understand the impact of broader health needs—encompassing physical and mental wellbeing—on overall reproductive health. Mino Care recognizes the importance of inclusive care and has specific services helpful for endometriosis:

Information about endometriosis including a list of health care professionals experienced caring for patients from the African, Caribbean and Black community can be accessed here.

Mino Care provides free counselling tailored to Black parents, including one 1:1 session per month with a licensed therapist and monthly group sessions. While the focus is on parental support, these mental health services can also benefit individuals navigating other aspects of their wellbeing, including endometriosis.

Mino Care also offers physical therapy to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and treat any related issues. For further details, you can explore the care services here and scroll down for Pelvic Floor Physio.

Mino Care Social Media Platforms

ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND BLACK COMMUNITY

The SOGC and Mino Care collaborated on a campaign focused on endometriosis awareness for the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community in Canada. This initiative provides culturally relevant, evidence-based information on endometriosis and pelvic health, promoting proactive health management. The campaign includes social media outreach, a podcast with personal stories and expert advice, informative posters, and a pain logbook. Mino Care’s website also offers a list of health care providers who can support ACB individuals experiencing endometriosis.

Mino Care and the SOGC developed an Endometriosis health campaign for the ACB community in order to provide information, share knowledge and experiences and provide access to resources. The posters also direct people to this resource page. Please click on the links to download and share these posters.

Pain Logbook

Mino Care and the SOGC have created a pain logbook designed specifically for the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community. This tool helps individuals track, manage, and share their experiences with period and pelvic pain. The logbook serves as a resource to educate and raise awareness about pelvic conditions, offering the language and information necessary to support future diagnosis and care.