Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition that affects around one in ten women. Unfortunately, it can take a long time to diagnose, as the symptoms of endometriosis are very similar to other common conditions. Recent research has indicated that it now takes on average 8 years and 10 months to receive a diagnosis in the UK.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that causes endometrial (womb) cells to grow on organs outside the womb, most commonly – but not exclusively – in the abdomen or pelvis. Because these are womb tissues, they run on a cycle and ‘menstruate’ once a month. Because they are not in the womb, the blood isn’t able to leave the body as it usually would, and this can irritate the surrounding area, causing scar tissue to form and leading to inflammation and pain.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis can have various symptoms, all of which tend to be exacerbated during menstruation. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Pain whilst passing urine
- Painful bowel movements
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Fatigue and low mood
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Perhaps counterintuitively, the amount of pain that endometriosis patients suffer does not appear to be directly linked to the severity of their endometriosis – often, patients with only a few instances of endometriosis in the abdomen experience a great deal of pain, whilst patients whose endometriosis is more severe can have very little pain.
Why does endometriosis take so long to diagnose?
Unfortunately, period pain is common amongst women, and it can be difficult to know whether the degree of pain you suffer is equivalent to what others are feeling. This, combined with a lack of understanding of endometriosis, both amongst the general public and the medical profession, has led to the condition being chronically underdiagnosed for some time.
Happily, however, more and more clinics like Surescan are beginning to see the need for specialised endometriosis clinics, allowing us to diagnose the condition quickly.
How do I know if my period pain is normal?
Sadly, it is normal to experience some pain during menstruation. However, if your period pains are not easily managed with painkillers, and are causing you to take time off work or cancel social engagements, it might be worth seeking medical advice to find out whether you have endometriosis.
Is there a link between endometriosis and infertility?
Endometriosis is more common amongst women who struggle to conceive, suggesting there may be a link, but this is not yet fully understood. Many women with endometriosis are able to conceive and carry a child.
How can endometriosis be diagnosed?
Endometriosis diagnosis involves thorough examination, including MRI and ultrasound scans. In some cases a diagnostic laparoscopy may be necessary – this is a procedure performed under general anaesthetic, involving the insertion of a small, high-definition camera through a small incision in the abdomen, to allow the surgeon to view the organs in your pelvis.
How can endometriosis be treated?
Sadly, there is currently no cure for endometriosis. However, symptoms can be managed, and treatment options include hormone therapy, surgery and prescription pain relief. Your gynaecologist will recommend the best course of treatment for you, which will be dependent on various factors, including your age, the severity of your endometriosis, and the severity of your symptoms, which may not be the same thing.
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