Polish Endometriosis Foundation

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the presence of tissue resembling endometrium (the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus. It causes a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in the formation of scar tissue (adhesions, fibrosis) within the pelvis and other parts of the body.

(Source)

Women can have endometriosis regardless of skin color, ethnicity or age.

Endometriosis affects roughly 200 million women globally and even 2 million in Poland.

Scientists say that the disease is observed in 6-15% of women.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are dysmenorrhea (60–80% of cases), chronic pelvic pain (30–50% of cases), infertility (30–40% of cases), dyspareunia (25–40% of cases), irregular periods (10–20% of cases).

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319310683_Wplyw_endometriozy_i_metod_jej_leczenia_na_jakosc_zycia_i_funkcjonowanie_seksualne_kobiet_-_przeglad_najnowszych_badan_The_impact_of_endometriosis_and_modes_of_its_treatment_on_quality_of_life_and_sex/link/59a2e698a6fdcc1a315f55eb/download

DIAGNOSTICS

detailed medical history interview,
expert pelvic exam,
transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound (eg. sonovaginography),
medical imaging methods (MRI and CT),
in justified cases – laparoscopy, laparotomy, histopathology.

Treatment

pharmacological treatment,
surgical treatment (laparoscopy, sometimes laparotomy),
pain management,
physiotherapy,
psychotherapy,
anti-inflammatory, vegan, vegetarian diet,
alternative therapy.

the problem of long diagnosis

Endometriosis Association report revealed that among women suffering from endometriosis, 40% reported first symptoms during adolescence or late childhood.

M.L. Ballweg, Big picture of endometriosis helps provide guidance on approach to teens: comparative hisyorical data show endostarting, younger, is more severe. „J Pel Adoles Gynecol” 2003, 16, 2 suppl, s. 521- 526

It takes around 10 years to get diagnosed – why?

lack of knowledge about endometriosis among medical professionals,
lack of classes dedicated to endometriosis in medical university education,
stereotypes „period must be painful” czy „this is who you are”,
very wide range of symptoms, which can point to other disorders,
lack of endometriosis awareness in society,
no known cause of the formation and development of the disease,
lack of effective non-invasive methods of diagnostics,
few specialists,
lack of pricing of advanced endometriosis surgeries, including DIE surgeries,
no specialized state-operated endometriosis clinics in Poland.

ENDOMETRIOSIS IN POLAND

lack of awareness

among doctors and patients

period myths

period must be painful
painful menstruation will always pass after pregnancy
womanhood is pain
this is just who you are

lack of state-funded endometriosis treatment program

no pricing

of multi-organ endometriosis surgeries

CONSEQUENCES

decline in the quality of life;
infertility and sterility;
depression;
low self-esteem;
problems with sustaining a pregnancy;
painful intercourse and decline in the quality of sex life;
chronic pain;
expensive treatment, poor financial situation, taking a loan to pay for surgery;
disability;
incapacity for work;
job loss;
anxiety, deprivation of basic needs;
limiting of physical activity;
relationship problems, relationship breakup;
…

Endometriosis vs Productivity

21,7%

respondents had to take sick leave last month because of endometriosis

75,5%

respondents went to work despite severe pain

What can i do?

don’t be afrait of consulting with another doctor!
look for support groups
support NGOs
spread awareness
react if you see endometriosis symptoms
don’t be afraid to communicate if you’re not feeling well
you are not alone!

Polish endometriosis foundation

established in: 2018
president: Lucyna Jaworska-Wojtas
goals:
- helping women suffering from endometriosis and their families
- cooperation with private and state-funded centers providing modern methods of endometriosis treatment
- spreading awareness of the disease