Oregon women who suffer from endometriosis may be interested to learn that two leading nonprofit women’s health organizations are teaming up to increase awareness of the disease and improve treatments. Endometriosis affects approximately 10 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are collaborating to implement a full-scale expansion of EFA’s adolescent endometriosis education program. They are also working together to improve standards of diagnosis and care for the disease, particularly among young women. The nonprofits also plan to improve training standards for surgeons who treat endometriosis and to update the practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Endometriosis causes lesions to invasively grow on a woman’s uterus, ovaries, rectum, appendix, intestines, leg nerves and other areas of the pelvic region. The lesions are similar to a slow-growing cancer, causing inflammation and excruciating pain. Experts say woman who suffer from the condition can lead an isolated existence, falling behind at work or school and losing relationships due to the pain. The Journal of Human Reproduction reports that women with endometriosis wait an average of 12 years before being properly diagnosed with the disease. The EFA and the ACOG hope their collaboration will lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatments for the condition.
Women who have suffered with endometriosis for years before receiving a proper diagnosis may benefit by discussing their case with an attorney. A failure to diagnose may provide grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit seeking compensation for damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. An attorney could assess the case and recommend the best course of action.
Source: National Pain Report, “Endometriosis Getting More Attention,” Ed Coghlan, July 21, 2016