The Diagnostic Delay of Endometriosis, & Why it Needs to Change
Pelvic pain, especially when related to the menstrual cycle, have been overlooked for too long. When it comes to those living with endometriosis, the diagnostic delay is often years. This isn’t just because patients are being dismissed by their healthcare practitioners due to the normalization of pain, but because the current gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopy.
What’s exciting about the new field of research for endometriosis is promising diagnostic testing that’s easier to access for many patients. Diagnostic ultrasound is emerging as a possible option, though it relies heavily on the experience of the sonographer and the equipment being used—which is still not available everywhere. While there is currently no blood testing that can be done to definitively diagnosis endometriosis, some specific lab markers are being explored—opening up the door for decreasing diagnostic delay.
Period pain isn’t normal.
Period pain should never be normalized in our health care system, whether by doctors, nurses, or even yourself. Pain isn’t something you should just live with. Seek appropriate medical guidance and assessment to start your journey to feeling like yourself, every day of the month.
The reason why delaying diagnosis for endometriosis is detrimental is because as years go on, the pelvic pain being caused by endometriosis begins to develop into nerve sensitization and chronic pain. Meaning that the longer you suffer with menstrual and pelvic pain from endomestriosis, the longer the sensitization to your nerves have.
“Chronic pain in endometriosis likely stems from nerve sensitization, not rapid lesion regrowth.”
Endometriosis causes significant loss in your quality of life and ability to function day-to-day, often missing 10-20 missed work days per year (Sims, 2021). You do not have to wait till the healthcare system changes to know that you’re in pain, there are naturopathic doctors, medical doctors, and so many other's in the health care field willing and ready to listen to your story.
If you are ready to start your journey to managing your pain, living your life with comfort without having to worry or struggle that your pain will come at an inopportune time of the month, let’s work together.
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Disclaimer: this information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.