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Why endometriosis is very difficult to diagnose
Brigade women
This disease has very painful symptoms that can prevent a normal life
La endometriosis It is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, although there is increasing attention to it and more is known about its characteristics. Women who suffer from it describe the pain they feel during the days of menstruation, and sometimes the rest of the cycle, as “unbearable”, but the tendency to ‘make invisible’ the discomfort suffered by the period, and to minimize them, make this disease, which according to studies suffers one in 10 women, is one of the last options proposed when going to the doctor.
Fulvia Mancini, medical director of EVA Clinics, explains that endometriosis, which it is not only very painful, but also chronic, occurs when a woman has her period every month and, through bleeding, removes cells from the lining of the uterus that have been inflamed by hormonal changes. “The problem occurs when these cells grow in other places, even outside the reproductive system. We speak of implantation and benign growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This tissue is usually located in the pelvic area and the ovaries, but it can even reach the intestine, bladder, stomach and lung ”, says the professional.
Painful symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis can range from the painful periods to other more specific ailments, such as pain during sexual intercourse, low back pain or pelvic swelling. That these symptoms are not exclusive to endometriosis means that there is still many undiagnosed cases. Irene Aterido, sexologist and expert in endometriosis and the menstrual cycle, adds that «feeling pain during menstruation, although in many cases it is habitual, is not something normal, and therefore this should be the first symptom that makes us consider that something is wrong well and go to a gynecological consultation ».
Dr. Shree Datta, Intimina collaborating gynecologist explains the steps that must be taken to reach a diagnosis: “The first thing is to go to a gynecologist, who will know the medical history and perform a pelvic exam. A symptom diary may also be requested, as it can be difficult distinguish endometriosis from other medical conditions». He goes on and says that an ultrasound is also usually ordered. Once these tests are done, there are two options: treat the disease with medication, or suggest a laparoscopy. “In women with severe endometriosis, an MRI would be recommended before considering surgery,” says the doctor.
Impact on day to day
Beyond the pain, endometriosis has an impact in different areas. The EVA Clinics psychologists talk about the consequences in five different fields:
– Labor: Sometimes severe pain prevents a normal active life. Likewise, medical consultations and surgical interventions involve days off and sick leave.
– Family and social: There may be misunderstanding and frustration on the part of the environment. producing isolation and loneliness in women.
– Economic: Although medical treatments and medications can be affordable, if the disease affects fertility, large expenses must be assumed in cases of assisted reproduction treatments.
— Sexual: Problems when it comes to having sexual intercourse, such as pain before, during or after intercourse, or lack of appetite, cramps are usually very annoying.
– Leisure and free time: Some activities and experiences that involve effort and physical movement, temporarily or more or less chronically, may be reduced.