Teen tells of her battle with endometriosis

Find out about endometriosis – a womb condition which affects two million women.
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2 million women in the UK suffer from endometriosis – a painful womb condition that can cause infertility in around 30% of sufferers.

New research shows that the condition has a greater impact on teenagers and young women than had previously been recognised, and there is still a worrying level of ignorance about it in the medical profession.

Endometriosis UK has revealed the results of a survey of teenagers and young women that shows the impact of endometriosis.

The survey shows that some doctors may not recognise it, others may be unwilling to diagnose it because of the limited treatment options, particularly for young women.

The survey found…

• 72% had time off school/study/work for their periods
• 33% had seen their doctors more than five times for period pain
• 59% described their pain as severe or very severe

Of the women in this survey, 57% had been prescribed the pill compared with 51% with painkillers but these were ineffective for a majority of young women (61% for both painkillers and the pill).

Of those that went back to the doctor again after neither route worked, most were either referred to a gynaecologist or given laparoscopy – one of the ways to positively diagnose endometriosis. Usually done under general anaesthetic, a small telescope with a light on the end (the laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvis through the navel (belly button).

However, a significant proportion were told that the pain they were experiencing was normal, to try a hot water bottle, to live with it or think about getting pregnant.

Although most doctors are doing a good job, there is still a worrying level of ignorance about endometriosis which whilst not surprising, is disappointing.

The fact that women are still being advised to get pregnant when it has long been known that, whilst this can reduce the symptoms for some women, for others the condition only becomes apparent with pregnancy, is very disappointing.

Previous research by Endometriosis UK found an 11 year delay in diagnosis, and this survey suggests that endometriosis may have a greater impact on the quality of life of teenagers and younger women than has previously been recognised.

The facts

• Endometriosis is a condition where patches of the womb lining occur in other parts of the body. Every month a woman goes through hormonal changes and naturally releases hormones which cause the lining of the womb to increase in preparation for a fertilised egg. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining will break down and bleed and is released as a period. Endometriosis cells react in the same way – except that they are located outside the womb.  During the monthly cycle, hormones stimulate the endometriosis, causing it to grow, then break down and bleed. This internal bleeding, unlike a period, has no way of leaving the body. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.  Endometrial tissue can also be found in the ovary where it can form cysts and may affect fertility.
• Most patients – once diagnosed with endometriosis – are treated through medication and in some cases surgery. For many, a range of alternative and complementary therapies have also delivered some degree of success in alleviating symptoms and pain
• Endometriosis is not an infection, it is not contagious and it isn’t cancer
• Symptoms – Chronic pain, Fatigue/lack of energy, Depression/isolation, Problems with a couples sex life/relationships, An inability to conceive, difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments, Painful, heavy, or irregular periods, Pain during or after sex.
• Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for a woman living with the condition.
• You may be more likely to get endometriosis if:Your periods last longer than a week each month, you’re overweight, someone in your family has it.

For more information about Endometriosis click on the link above or call 0808 808 2227