A team of researchers from the University of Hull are recruiting for volunteers as they aim to make major advancements to help women with endometriosis.
The study aims to identify urine biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis and novel antigen targets for therapy.
Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of a woman’s womb moves away from where it should be and instead often grows in the abdomen or around the bowels. This can present itself as excruciating pain each month, affects the ability to get pregnant and can cause numerous physical and mental difficulties.
In order to fulfil this much-needed research, Dr Barbara Guinn, Reader in Biomedical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, at the University of Hull, is asking for women aged 18 to 50 to volunteer by donating a urine sample into a sterile collection pot.
The purpose of collecting these samples is to determine the baseline of protein in the urine, which can then be compared with protein levels in urine from patients with endometriosis. It may also help to develop new ways of identifying when someone has this condition through a Hull developed test called EndoTect.
When discussing why this research is so important, Dr Barbara Guinn said: “Women’s issues are often pushed onto the back burner and are not always spoken about openly. It’s not prioritised enough, which has caused huge waiting lists, leaving the disease to go untreated or be difficult to manage.
“There’s also a lack of research funding for endometriosis, even though one in 10 women are affected by it. Our long-term goal is to deliver a non-invasive diagnostic test, as there isn’t one currently. To be diagnosed with this condition, women with deep endometriosis must endure a time-intensive laparoscopy which requires rest following the surgical procedure.”
To volunteer for this study and be part of a huge push to bring more light and awareness to this disease, please email Dr Barbara Guinn at b.guinn@hull.ac.uk. They’ll be accepting volunteers up until the end of July 2023.
Fundraising for endometriosis research
- A fundraising event, called the Yellow Ball, was hosted by the Endometriosis Support Hull and East Yorkshire organisation committee and was held on Friday 31 March 2023 at Lazaat Hotel. This raised £5,000 which will support the research work being undertaken.
- To enquire about assisting with fundraising, please email Dr Barbara Guinn.