Expert warns of devastating cost of delayed endometriosis diagnosis

Women should not be expected to change their lives around severe period and pelvic pain, an expert has said, warning that delayed diagnosis of endometriosis can cost women years of their education, careers, relationships, fertility and quality of life.

Speaking at the Women’s Health Matters Conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, head of the reproductive and endocrine unit at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Prof Zozo Nene, said the healthcare system needs to recognise the symptoms of endometriosis earlier and respond more effectively.

“We must stop asking women to adapt their lives to untreated pain,” Nene said.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain and affect a woman’s fertility and everyday life.

According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ), about 190-million women and girls of reproductive age are estimated to have endometriosis.

Nene said South Africa still lacked sufficient local data on the condition.

She said severe period pain that interferes with normal activities should not simply be dismissed as part of being a woman.

“Any pain that disrupts daily activities warrants assessment,” she said.

She warned that the impact of untreated endometriosis can stretch across a woman’s entire life.

For young girls, severe period pain can result in missed school days, social withdrawal and difficulties keeping up with their education.

As women enter the workplace, the problem can continue through absenteeism, reduced concentration, lost productivity and missed career opportunities.

“Absenteeism is only part of the story,” Nene said. “Presenteeism, reduced concentration, missed opportunities and interrupted study can be equally important.”

The condition can also affect sleep, sexual health, relationships, exercise, mobility and mental wellbeing.

“For women hoping to have children, delayed diagnosis can become even more serious as reproductive age advances and fertility problems emerge.”