20 July 2023
Lead researcher, Dr Barbara Guinn, is currently researching how to diagnosis the condition to help cut the time for women who are waiting to find out if they have Endometriosis. This could all be diagnosed by a simple urine test. Please click here for further details: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-humber-66196121.amp
Williamsons have been working closely with the Endometriosis Support Hull and East Yorkshire Group to help spread the awareness of the condition that affects 1 in 10 women. On 31 March 2023, the Yellow Ball took place in order to raise money for the ongoing research. The ball raised over £5,000.
It is hoped that, with the ongoing support and research into diagnosing and treating Endometriosis, those 1 in 10 women will be able to receive more timely diagnosis and treatment to help manage the condition.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (which build up and then break down and bleed each month) are found elsewhere in the body. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. It therefore can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
It is not known why endometriosis occurs, but it can have a significant impact on a woman’s life, including:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Depression/isolation
- Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
- Difficulty with or inability to conceive
- Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
Getting Diagnosed and Treated
According to recent research, there is an average of 7 and a half years between women first seeking help from a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a proper diagnosis.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of endometriosis are non-specific and can be very similar to other common conditions. At present, scans, blood tests and internal examinations are not a conclusive way to diagnose the condition; the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy, which is an operation to look into the pelvis for signs of the condition.
Once diagnosed, your doctor or specialist should discuss possible endometriosis treatment options with you. Although it cannot be cured, treatment aims to stop progression of the endometriosis; if left untreated, the endometriosis will continue to grow and it can leak into other organs. Treatment options available are:
- Surgery
- Hormone treatment
- Pain relief
For further information about endometriosis, please visit https://endometriosis-uk.org.
Our medical negligence department is currently representing a number of clients in respect of delay with diagnosis of Endometriosis, including negligent delay in offering laparoscopy. As a consequence of the delays in diagnosis, there were delays in treatment, allowing the endometriosis to spread. This involves it clinging to and causing damage to other organs, such as the bowel and bladder, which would have been avoided with more timely treatment.
Should you feel that you are experiencing delays in diagnosis or treatment, please contact our medical negligence department to explore how they can assist you. Should you wish to find out more in terms of support in order to obtain a diagnosis, please contact the Endometriosis Support Group or Endometriosis UK. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/.
