Available data indicates that around 10–15% of all women are affected by endometriosis, a chronic condition causing severe pain and other incapacitating symptoms. It is caused by the presence of endometrial mucosa abnormally implanted in locations other than the uterine cavity. The condition is surrounded by myths, taboos, and lack of awareness, which altogether led to unfortunate medical bias.
Lack of evidence
Sadly, women suffering from endometriosis can expect to wait anywhere between 4 and 11 years to receive the correct diagnosis. The delay comes from the lack of understanding of the illness as it is poorly studied and described in scientific papers. Moreover, little progress has been made in finding the treatment because randomized clinical trials in the field have failed to exhibit completeness of the research method. This means that other scientists can’t translate the study results into the current practice. Without solid evidence and medical innovation the scientists are not able to come up with new cures for chronic conditions.
Confusing symptoms
Eric Surrey, M.D., a fertility specialist in Progyny’s Provider Network says that one of the key challenges in diagnosing endometriosis is that many other conditions have similar presenting symptoms.
The common signs like pelvic or abdominal pain, pain during sex, infertility, painful urination, and constipation or diarrhea are shared with illnesses like:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Fibromyalgia
Urinary tract infection
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The only way of official diagnosis endometriosis is laparoscopy - an operation in which a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis via a small cut near the navel. The diagnosis methods are limited, so “We urgently need more research to better understand the basic biology behind the development of endometriosis, including the role of genetics, stem cells, and immunology in the disease”, says - Lisa Halvorson, M.D.
Misinformation and menstrual taboo
Endometriosis touches on many taboos or challenges in our culture. Women’s gynecological problems aren't taken seriously, and conditions associated with the period aren't discussed openly. Endometrial disease, like any other chronic condition, interferes with many women's day-to-day life. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals suggest that endometriosis is ‘part of being a woman' or that it’s ‘all in her head’. Movements like EndoMarch help to spread awareness and recognize endometriosis as a real, destructive medical condition on record.
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