The painful, chronic condition affects millions of women worldwide and often takes an average of seven years to diagnose
A doctor has shared the common signs and symptoms of a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.
Despite being a prevalent issue, it often takes an average of nearly seven years to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. Understanding endometriosis can “significantly improve quality of life and management” of the long-term condition, according to the doctor.
Dr Shree Datta, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with Doctify, has extensive expertise in managing women’s health issues, including high-risk pregnancies, menstrual disorders, and endometriosis. She has offered information about the chronic condition and shared which symptoms women should be on the look out for.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis involves the growth of womb-like tissue outside the uterus. The most common places for this tissue to grow include the ovaries, the area around the womb, and other parts of the pelvis.
These tissue growths can lead to a variety of symptoms, making the condition challenging to diagnose and manage.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely among women, both in type and severity. Common symptoms include:
- Pain before and during periods: Many women experience significant pain in the lead-up to their period, which may be relieved once menstruation begins.
- Pain during intercourse: Women with endometriosis often experience painful sex ranging from mild to excruciating. The pain can feel like sharp stabbing or jabbing sensations, or a deep abdominal ache. This discomfort stems from endometriosis-related adhesions that can fuse the vagina to the rectum, causing deep pain during intercourse.
- Pain during bowel movements or urination: This can be particularly noticeable during the menstrual cycle.
- Bloating and mood changes: These symptoms often occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, intensifying until the period starts.
Symptoms can differ greatly from one woman to another and can change from one menstrual cycle to the next. Keeping a detailed record of symptoms can aid in diagnosis and management.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing endometriosis typically involves several steps:
- Medical history: Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, their severity, and how they affect your daily life.
- Physical examination: A thorough physical exam can help identify abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: An internal ultrasound can provide insights into the state of your womb and ovaries, though it may not always detect endometriosis.
- Laparoscopy: This minor surgical procedure is considered the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, allowing doctors to view internal organs directly and take biopsies if necessary.
