Severe menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, painful urination, and lower back or abdominal pain.
These are all symptoms of Endometriosis, a painful and debilitating disease that affects approximately 5-10 per cent of women who are of reproductive age.
The condition causes an excess growth in tissue that responds to the monthly menstrual cycle and when the tissue breaks down; it can lead to inflammation, causing pain. Endometrial growth usually occurs on the ovaries, on the uterus and behind the uterus.[i]
The good news for those living with this condition is that Bayer HealthCare recently announced that Visanne® (2 mg dienogest tablets) was approved by Health Canada for the management of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.
Visanne is the first long-term, oral, progestin-only regimen specifically developed for women with endometriosis in more than 10 years.[ii] Clinical trials regarding its efficacy have lasted up to 15 months and are responsible for the management of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.
This is a big advancement for those living with the condition as it can greatly impact a woman’s social, professional and personal life, and women with endometriosis often experience depression and emotional distress due to the uncertainty of diagnosis, unpredictability of symptoms and living a normal life.[iii]
Besides having a high prevalence, there is also a lack of general disease awareness as few women recognize the symptoms – meaning that most aren’t even diagnosed. Studies show it takes an average of three years from the time a woman has her first symptom to the time she discusses it with her doctor.[iv] It also typically takes up to 12 years for a woman to get a confirmed diagnosis from the first time she seeks help for her symptoms.[v]
With Endometriosis Awareness month coming up in March, it is especially imperative to shed light on the disease, so that women experiencing these conditions will no longer live in darkness. If you or any one you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of Endometriosis, be sure to talk to your doctor about a diagnosis and the treatment options that are available.
References:
[i] SOGC.ca. What is Endometriosis? Available at http://www.sogc.org/health/health-endometriosis_e.asp. Accessed November 1, 2011.
[ii] Lupron Depot Canadian Product Monograph. http://www.abbott.ca/static/content/document/LUPRON-DEPOT-ENDO-PM-23MAR10.pdf. May 20, 2011.
[iii] Kennedy S, Bergqvist A, Chapron C, D’Hooghe T, Dunselman G, Greb R, Hummelshoj L, Prentice A, Saridogan. ESHRE guideline on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. Human Reproduction 2005;20(10):2698-2704. Also available online at: http://guidelines.endometriosis.org/.
[iv] Diagnosis: http://www.womenshealthmatters.com/centres/pelvic_health/endometriosis/diagnosis/index.html. Accessed November 1, 2011.
[v] SOGC Diagnosis and Management Guidelines. Available at: http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/documents/gui244CPG1007E.pdf. Accessed November 1, 2011.
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