It is believed that as many as 1 in 10 women around the world are living with endometriosis, although there may be more who have gone undiagnosed. Endometriosis is debilitating, yet more work needs to be done to raise awareness of this condition, especially as some women go many years before receiving a diagnosis. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness and misinformed beliefs could partially be contributing to the delay in diagnosis. In this article you can read some of the common myths about endometriosis that may be playing a part in the diagnosis delay.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition affecting around 1 in 10 women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, is found in other areas of the body. This tissue will break down and bleed at the time of a period, just as the endometrium does. But it doesn’t have any way to escape from the body and can cause symptoms such as pain and inflammation and lead to the formation of scar tissue.
Endometriosis can have such an impact that it may cause other symptoms such as depression and fatigue. For some women they may experience fertility problems due to the condition. Plus, its debilitating symptoms may mean that endometriosis negatively impacts some women’s careers, as well as their social life.
5 common myths about endometriosis
Here are some common myths about endometriosis:
1. Endometriosis is easy to diagnose
It takes an average of seven and a half years to diagnose endometriosis. Unfortunately, the condition is not easy to diagnose and currently the only way to diagnose endometriosis for certain is by laparoscopy. This involves small incisions around the navel to allow a laparoscope (a small medical camera) to be inserted into the pelvic area. In doing this, the gynaecologist can ascertain if any endometrial-like tissue has grown, where it is located and how severe it is. This tissue can be removed or treated at the time, which may be by diathermy to burn the endometriosis away.
It is important to understand that endometriosis cannot be diagnosed by blood test, scan or internal examination.
2. Endometriosis can be cured
Endometriosis is a condition that can be treated to help manage the symptoms, however it cannot be cured. Treatments for managing endometriosis vary depending on the severity of the condition, and may include hormonal treatments such as the contraceptive pill, implant or coil. Others treatments are analgesics to control pain and a short course of hormone injections, such as goserelin.
3. Endometriosis is just a bad period
It is a common misconception that women who suffer from endometriosis are just having bad periods. Yes, endometriosis can indeed cause heavier bleeding and painful periods, but the condition is more complex than this.
For many years I was led to believe that heavy bleeding and painful periods are normal. This is not normal. If you are experiencing symptoms such as these, I recommend you talk to your GP as soon as possible. Heavy bleeding and pain may not indicate endometriosis, but may be linked to another condition, so it’s vital you get it checked out.
4. Sufferers of endometriosis will only get symptoms around the time of their period
Sadly, the symptoms of endometriosis can be experienced at any time during the menstrual cycle. The symptoms vary and may include pain at different sites, irregular bleeding, bowel and bladder issues, depression and fatigue.
You can find a more detailed list of symptoms and what to look out for from the Endometriosis UK website.
5. Endometriosis goes away after menopause
Whilst the symptoms of endometriosis may ease or pass after menopause, this is not the case for every woman diagnosed with endometriosis. Unfortunately, many women are left with the condition and its symptoms after menopause or after a hysterectomy.
You can find out more about endometriosis, its symptoms and treatment options from Endometriosis UK, a fantastic charity that offers support and a wealth of up-to-date information about this debilitating condition.
There is further information about endometriosis available on the NHS website.
Disclaimer: The information in this article contains my words from my own experiences of endometriosis and is not intended, nor should it be taken as, medical advice. If you have symptoms that relate to endometriosis, or any other condition, you must consult your doctor.
