), my symptoms were routinely shrugged off.
Multiple doctors echoed the same sentiment: Youre young, fit, and activedont worry, its nothing serious.
So why did it feel serious to me?
Some days, running was unbearable.
Some nights, I barely slept.
I was 36 years old when my pain was finally given a name:endometriosis.
board-certified minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon atMercy Medical Center
Why its so damn hard to diagnose endometriosis
My story is not rare.
Roughly 1 in 10 women in the United Stateslives with endometriosis, according to theWorld Health Organization.
A lot of that delay has to do with the disease itself.
Some people only have pain with their menstrual cycle, while others have pain all month long.
Some people with endometriosis experience no obvious symptoms at all and are only diagnosed after difficulties becoming pregnant.
A blood test or saliva swab wont reveal it.
It wont be found on yourpap smear, and pelvic exams and imaging tests are largely unhelpful.
A definitive diagnosis can only be made by undergoing a laparoscopic surgery and tissue biopsy.
It stems from our collective attitude around painspecifically, womens reproductive pain.
board-certified minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon atMercy Medical Center
And to be clear: There is so much doctors dont fully understand about this condition.
But is that the best option for a 15-year-old?
Dont be afraid to tell your provider: I believe I have endometriosis.
These are the symptoms I experience.
What should we do next?
Track your symptoms
This one is crucial.
Each day, jot down anything you feel.
Especially useful is the timing of symptoms relative to the menstrual cycle, Dr. Baldonieri says.
Dont understand a word theyre using?
Curious why theyre prescribing a new birth control instead of the one youve been using?
A doctor should never be bothered by you asking why?
whenever they recommend a treatment or test, says Dr. Baldonieri.
Listen to it; believe your symptoms.
Dont be afraid to tell your provider: I believe I have endometriosis.
These are the symptoms I experience.
What should we do next?
How can we work together to make a plan that we are both satisfied with?
An attentive doctor will respond with renewed energy and effort.
If they dont, its time to find a new doctor.
Seek out a specialist
Throughout my 20s, I dutifully tracked my symptoms.
But when I tried to talk to my doctor about them, shed tell me: Youre fine.
She was a well-respected gynecologist, so I believed her.
Concerns regarding pelvic pain or painful periods shouldnt be dismissed or downplayed, Dr. Stuparich says.
Start by searching for endometriosis surgeons (also referred to as minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons) in your area.
These doctors traditionally have completed a two-year fellowship beyond traditional OB/GYN training, Dr. Stuparich says.
So if one approach isnt working, ask your doctor about other options.
And take heart: Although this condition has long been ignored, there is hope.
So, heres hoping our daughters and granddaughters wont face the same barriers we do today.
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