2,165 days. That’s how long it took for me to get a procedure to remove endometriosis from my body. That’s five years and eleven months. I’m very lucky though, because in the United States (according to Yale Medicine), it takes an average of 10 years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis. From the day that a doctor first spoke the word, following a routine transvaginal ultrasound – she said, “It looks like there might be a little endometriosis in there,” so nonchalantly – to the day I underwent a laparoscopy to remove it, was nearly six years.
During those six years, and for several prior, I struggled with heavy, painful periods. I experienced severe constipation, debilitating cramps, and extreme fatigue. I also encountered infertility when trying to grow my family. It was my normal every month, but it was far from normal.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects one in ten women, so why does it take so long to diagnose? For me, it was a myriad of reasons: a move to a new state two years after that ultrasound. The natural conception and birth of my son. A global pandemic. Mostly, it’s because healthcare professionals didn’t listen to me. When I told doctors that I didn’t think my periods were normal, they glossed over it.
The reason endometriosis can difficult to diagnose is because can only be done through a laparoscopic procedure. You can’t see endometriosis in an x-ray, CT scan, or even an ultrasound. In the months leading up to my procedure, I had two transvaginal ultrasounds, a colonoscopy, and a CT scan, none of which confirmed the diagnosis. Yet, when the laparoscopic surgery was performed, a moderate amount of endometriosis was found in my pelvic region.
Symptoms & Treatment of Endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis are vast and impact women in all sorts of different ways. Some of the most common include:
- Pelvic pain during periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Heavy periods
- Irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Constipation or nausea during periods
- Infertility
The best way to treat endometriosis is by laparoscopically destroying it. This means that diagnosis and treatment can occur in one shot. But, in extreme cases, a total hysterectomy may be necessary.
Advocating for your Heath
If you suspect you might have endometriosis, the best thing you can do is tell your doctor. Then tell them again. Do not take no for an answer because endometriosis is not normal. Do your research on reputable medical sites. Find online support groups or resources. You will always be your best advocate.
For me, it took finding a new OBGYN who listened to me and agreed to proceed with the procedure. Unfortunately, it also took six years. Six painful years.
