Excessive bloating and pelvic pain should be taken seriously as it could be a sign of a common painful condition.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility. For many, a diagnosis doesn't come for years, with symptoms often being put down to painful periods.
Many people have spoken out about their experiences with endometriosis. The ECHO previously reported that Becci Morris, from Waterloo, has lived more than half her life with regular excruciating pain and has also been told she is more than likely infertile as a result of endometriosis.
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The 28-year-old had 30 visits to her GP, A&E and hospital specialists after 15 years of agony. From the age of 12, her periods have caused her pain so extreme it has caused vomiting and loss of consciousness.
Similarly, Lisa Ledder, 38, suffered a "deep cramp pain" in her tummy after she came off the contraceptive pill so she could get pregnant in her late 20s. She was "gobsmacked" and "confused" when, during a keyhole surgery to check her fallopian tubes for any blockages causing difficulty conceiving, her doctor at Arrowe Park Hospital found endometriosis tissue.
According to Endometriosis UK, there are approximately 1.5 million women currently living with endometriosis, with the average diagnosis time taking eight years. Around 62% of women aged between 16-54 would put off going to a doctor with symptoms of endometriosis because they don’t think it’s serious enough or would be taken seriously.
In light of Endometriosis Awareness Month this March, Jennifer Argent, Medical Negligence Solicitor at Patient Claim Line has shared the key symptoms to look out for as well as patient rights on getting an appropriate diagnosis.
Common symptoms
According to the NHS, Endometriosis symptoms can vary. Common signs include:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back that is usually worse on your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- Feeling sick, constipated, diarrhoea
- Blood in urine
- Excess bloating or excessive fatigue
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- You may also have heavier periods
Jennifer Argent said Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed because it can be "difficult to diagnose". The NHS suggests people should see a GP if symptoms are having a "big impact on your life".
The NHS website reads: "It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerably, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A GP will ask about your symptoms and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina.
"They may recommend treatments if they think you have endometriosis. If these do not help, they might refer you to a specialist called a gynaecologist for some further tests, such as an ultrasound scan, MRI or laparoscopy.
"A laparoscopy is where a surgeon passes a thin tube through a small cut in your tummy so they can see any patches of endometriosis tissue. This is the only way to be certain you have endometriosis."
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