Endometriosis is a long-term painful condition that can go undiagnosed for years and has left women out of work, unable to travel, and in some cases unable to leave their beds. At its most severe, it can leave women unable to have children, and even need to have part of their bowels removed.
Cornwall Live reports that recently released data has shown that a woman is admitted into the hospital almost every single day in Cornwall due to the chronic pain caused by the inflammatory disease, and the number is increasing.
The data shows that women were admitted to hospital 330 times in Cornwall during 2019/20, as well as 20 emergency admissions that increased that number to 350. It is an increase from 2018/19 (345), and the highest number of hospital admissions since comparable records began in 2010/11.
Endometriosis can cause infertility, fatigue, and bowel and bladder problems in some cases, according to the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists, and is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK after uterine fibroids.
An estimated one-in-ten women aged between 15 and 45-years-old (representing their reproductive years) will be affected by the condition. It is normally diagnosed between the ages of 25-35, but it is believed that symptoms begin when regular menstruation starts.
It can be very difficult to diagnose due to symptoms considerably varying and can appear to be other conditions, and surgery is the only way to accurately detect endometriosis.
The Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists estimates that it currently takes an average of seven and a half years for a diagnosis.
While there is yet no cure for endometriosis, there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms, from standard household painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, or hormone medicines such as the combined pill or the contraceptive patch.
However, most current medical treatments are not suitable long-term, due to their side effects. In some cases, surgery is necessary to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue to try to reduce the pain.
If you’re looking for an endometriosis specialist in London, get in touch today.
