The Effects of Misdiagnosing Endometriosis

Infertility in women is a complex subject. The inability to become pregnant is not only an emotional rollercoaster, but it also leaves many confused and concerned about their own health and well-being. Endometriosis is a common medical condition impacting one in ten women throughout the world and 2 million in the UK alone, and it is often linked to infertility that has no clear explanation. Despite the prevalence of the disease, endometriosis is widely misunderstood, both by women trying to conceive a child and the medical professionals tasked with ensuring they remain healthy in the process.

March is Endometriosis Awareness month for this very reason. Throughout the campaign, spearheaded by several endometriosis support groups and research organisations, education, fundraising, and community events are encouraged as a way to boost the overall knowledge of the disease. It warrants its own month each year because so many women are misdiagnosed with other conditions, leading to incorrect treatment, emotional distress, and most importantly, no clear path forward in reducing endo symptoms.

Misdiagnosing Endo

Women with endometriosis often present to their GP with severe pain, either during their period, persistently in the pelvic or abdominal region, or during sexual intercourse. Some women also experience nausea, shortness of breath, and other symptoms such as an upset stomach or sensitivity to certain foods. Regardless of the side effects of endometriosis, one thing remains constant: it can be debilitating for women. With the onset of warning signs, most women with endometriosis are quick to schedule a time with their GP, but the unfortunate reality is that most are left without answers and without a degree of empathy regarding their pain.

Misdiagnosis of endometriosis runs rampant, due in part to the long-standing stigma associated with women’s menstruation and the pain that comes with it. Many medical providers are quick to shrug off the symptoms experienced by women with endometriosis as a mental issue, believing wholeheartedly that they are making up the severity of what they experience. In many cases, women who have endometriosis are given another diagnosis instead, including but not limited to irritable bowel syndrome, a urinary tract infection, a sexually transmitted infection, or simply unexplained painful menstruation.

When endometriosis is not diagnosed correctly in a timely fashion, women may be directed to live on pain medications to ease the symptoms, which does not work toward solving the problem. There are also instances of women receiving recommendations to get treatment for other conditions of which they are not truly experiencing, leaving the endometriosis to become more severe.

No matter what the misdiagnosis, it often is connected to a lack of specialist training in the medical community. Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed through ultrasounds or pelvic exams but instead requires a laparoscopic surgery to tell what growth of tissue is impacting the woman’s health. Without receiving a referral to the right endometriosis specialist, the surgery is not performed, and no correct diagnosis given. In recent months, there has been a push to get more doctors trained in identifying and treating the growth of endometriosis, but there is still much work to be done in this area.

How to Help

During Endometriosis Awareness Month, and throughout the year, individuals concerned about the growing impact of the disease on women of reproductive age can easily lend a hand in boosting awareness. This can be done by getting involved in community events that bring to light the dangers of endometriosis when it goes untreated, or by starting or funding a support group for women who have received a correct diagnosis.

Additionally, women with endometriosis along with their friends and family have an opportunity to donate their time and money to reputable charitable organisations. Endometriosis UK is the leading organisation helping spread the word about endometriosis, compiling research, organising presentations and events, and accepting fundraising for those who want to help.

In addition to these simple steps, taking part in Endometriosis Awareness Month can be as simple as encouraging someone close who lives with the disease. Knowing that it isn’t in their head and that there is relief for symptoms with the proper diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference.