Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Despite its high prevalence and the significant impact on patients’ physical and emotional health, diagnosis still experiences an average delay of 7 to 10 years from the onset of the first symptoms.
Diagnostic gap: Why so many years of waiting?
The causes of this delay are multiple:
- Limitations of traditional diagnostic methods: Until recently, a definitive diagnosis required invasive procedures such as laparoscopy.
- Nonspecific symptoms: Chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and fatigue are symptoms that can be mistaken for other gynecological or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Normalization of menstrual pain: Culturally, severe menstrual pain is often seen as “normal,” delaying specialized consultation.
Impact on quality of life and fertility
Diagnostic delay not only perpetuates chronic pain and inflammation but also increases the risk of infertility and reproductive complications. Emotionally, the lack of clear answers leads to anxiety, frustration, and a reduced quality of life.
The value of early diagnosis
An early diagnosis allows for:
- Implement less invasive treatment strategies.
- Control the progression of the disease.
- Improve reproductive prognosis and quality of life.
Today, thanks to innovations such as non-invasive saliva-based diagnostics, it is possible to detect the disease in its early stages, avoiding years of uncertainty and unnecessary surgical procedures.
