I went to a variety of gynecologists since I was 18 years old. None of them ever mentioned endometriosis. When I was 44, I was finally diagnosed with it and found out that I had probably suffered from it since I was in my mid 20s. It seems to me that gynecologists are only concerned that we come in for that pap smear and breast exam but are not concerned that we might have a debilitating, progressive disease that adversely affects our everyday lives. When I tell people that I have a disease that involves blood blisters in my abdominal cavity and causes my internal organs to stick to each other and to my abdominal wall, they are as horrified as I am when I first found out about endometriosis. Why aren't high school girls being taught about it in health class? Why don't women's magazines have articles about it? Why don't gynecologist's office have brochures about it? Where are the bill boards and commercials? Where's the awareness?
2007-01-12 18:04:57 · 7 answers · asked by Lois J 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I totally understand your frustration. Indeed, the average delay in diagnosis is 9 years and 5 physicians. Even after diagnosis, most girls/women will have repeat surgeries, rounds and rounds of meds, and ineffective treatments with no relief.
There is actually a lot of work being done in Endo by the ERC and the EA (www.endocenter.org and www.endometriosisassn.org). There have been national walks in Washington, DC, TV commercials featuring "celebs" like Daisy Fuentes, federal legislation passed by Congress recognizing the need for awareness as well as many individual state resolutions, educational videos and symposiums, education, awareness and research campaigns, and much, much more. There are also many new books available. The ERC has also been involved in countless magazine articles over the past 10 yrs., as has the EA. Redbook, Cosmo, Health, Good Housekeeping, Pregnancy Today, and so many others have all run features on Endo. The word is out there, it's just not as prominent as it could and should be...there is always room for improvement.
If Gyn offices don't have brochures about it, they are doing a shameful disservice to their patients. For that reason, the ERC has a free "Adopt a doctor" program in which women submit doctor names and the ERC sends professional education kits along with brochures and patient info. They also offer their Girl Talk program, which targets young women under age 25 and targets Endo education in the schools. Everything the ERC offers is free; the EA charges $40-50 annually for membership and won't give anyone anything for free, but both orgs are always looking for volunteers. Get involved and help make a difference!
Good luck to you and keep fighting the good fight.
2007-01-13 00:46:48 · answer #1 · answered by Endo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand your frustration. I too have Endo. But my doctor has been great. From the start, he has given me brochures, we have talked in great detail about the illness. I don't know why there is not more awareness w/ this illness, because it does affect every day life for me. On my bad days I can't get out of bed. On good days I can get out of bed but am in a constant state of pain. I have done alot of research on the internet and have found some really good support groups, it's nice to talk to others who suffer from this horrible illness and know that they have been where I am now. I hope that in the future there will be more awareness brought on it, but I have noticed that unless someone important or rich has it nothing is ever said about it. The only way to bring awareness to diseases is if someone w/ a name starts talking about it. Look at Breast Cancer, until Betty Ford started talking about it, it was ignored for the most part. I just hope that someone decides to take up this cause to help find a cure, because I hate to think that my daughter will have to go through the same things I have been for over 6 years.
2007-01-13 07:28:18 · answer #2 · answered by gethelp9 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can only be ovulation discomfort because you only stopped taking BC. notwithstanding it may well be an ovarian cyst. which could also clarify why the discomfort is remoted to at least one aspect. cysts will be a part effect of contraceptives. yet, even if that's hurting that signifies that that's agitated for some reason. it may also be an egtopic being pregnant also. If the discomfort does no longer bypass away in the subsequent couple of days, or maintains to get more suitable severe, i'd definately bypass see a health care professional. yet another threat is a kidney stone transferring down your tract, I had this project after my first baby bc I craved a lot milk even as pregnant that calcium deposits equipped up. you want to ask a health care professional.
2016-10-30 23:43:05 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have often wondered about that myself.
I think that as long as it is just "physical symptoms" for a woman, it will generally be ignored. But, when it involves a couple (in the traditional sense -man and woman) facing infertility, the medical community is more than willing to assess problems. Periods are supposed to painful...Not getting pregnant, well that's a different story...
Excessive pain and infertility are both signs/symtoms of endo. But, they aren't totally inclusive.
It does have a lot to do with being a woman. You know the stereotypes...men are stoic, women emote...
That is BS. Pure and simple. Pain is pain. The pain that the prostaglandins inflict month after month is just that, pure pain. Rupturing cysts release even more of the nasty prostaglandins. The adhesions that result cause more discomfort.
Some people are aware. I suggest that women, who aren't pregnant and aren't casually trying to conceive, see a physician who limits him/herself to gynecology and associated specialities. Delivering babies isn't all that the uterus, ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes, breasts and cervix is about. These organs are important to the overall health and well-being of women on a day to day basis.
Advocate! Talk about your concerns with younger women. Better yet, talk to their boyfriends and husbands. When the laymen are concerned, the laywomen get better health-care!
2007-01-13 03:40:36 · answer #4 · answered by buggeredmom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is unfortunately part of your responsibility as a patient. If you were suffering that badly, you needed to be an active participant in your health care. I do not doubt it is easier for me now (I'm 26) to talk to my doctor than it may have been when you were younger, and I don't doubt that patient education has increased, but it is not just your doctor's fault. My doctor has talked to me about the possibility of having a life long disorder based on the symptoms I brought to her, but she would not have mentioned it if I had not brought these issues up to her. I do not mean to sound callous and I hope you are currently getting the treatment and care you needed 20 years ago. Best of luck with your health.
2007-01-12 19:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They will come when enough people finally talk about it. That is why cervical cancer is being talked about with HPV. That is why poly cystic ovarian syndrome is being talked about now. Things go through cycles.. and when you've got something it seems like the world might end, but in all honesty, lots of people suffer from lots of things and people aren't going to publish information in public magazines if they think that these things aren't a problem and won't be welcomed by readers.
2007-01-12 18:37:57 · answer #6 · answered by mschewie00 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
slightly exagerated
2007-01-12 18:13:14 · answer #7 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋