2024-02-14 14:32:11
Although one in ten women are affected by this debilitating disease, endometriosis remains largely unknown.
Faced with the many challenges it raises, it becomes essential to pay it particular attention.
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease which is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterine cavity, mainly but not exclusively in the abdominopelvic area (ovaries, intestine, peritoneum, etc.).
Endometriosis can appear from the first period
Far from being reserved for adult women, endometriosis can appear from the first period, adding unexpected challenges to the already turbulent journey of adolescence.
This disorder, the origin of which remains to be clarified, can lead to sometimes chronic lower abdominal pain and, possibly, infertility as well as other symptoms such as digestive disorders.
To date, the treatments offered are mainly aimed at combating the symptoms. Several approaches are used, including medicinal options (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hormonal contraceptives, etc.). When these do not prove effective, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Lesions even more difficult to identify in adolescents
Very often associated with adult women, endometriosis is also a reality among adolescents, in whom we deplore progressive and sometimes even severe cases. The diagnosis, unfortunately, occurs much later with an average delay of around 8 years following the appearance of the first symptoms.
Delayed diagnosis may result, in part, from differences in disease manifestations between adolescent and adult women.
Indeed, adolescents with endometriosis often present lesions with a red or light appearance, which can make their identification difficult by health professionals, compared to lesions in adults known as “burnt black powder” (black powder burn) which are more easily observed, particularly by medical imaging. The small size of lesions in adolescents can also make their detection complicated.
In addition, young women are quickly put on pills to reduce symptoms. When these subside, health professionals do not necessarily carry out further examinations and the diagnosis is not made. But if it is indeed endometriosis, the disease continues to progress.
A risk of psychological distress
Concerning the treatment of the disease in adolescents, medicinal options based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal contraceptives are often favored. It is also essential to integrate a multidisciplinary approach into treatment, including psychological support, which is crucial when we consider the multiple repercussions that this pathology can have on women.
Indeed, its psychological, social and educational consequences are undeniable, with an increased risk of psychological distress and anxiety disorders in young women.
Sometimes, these repercussions result in a high rate of school absenteeism, with a significant negative impact on schooling. However, the consequences of the disease do not stop there and lead to a reduction in daily activities and the deterioration of social and intimate relationships.
Menstrual pain sometimes suggestive of illness
Although they are not necessarily synonymous with endometriosis, menstrual pain can, in certain cases, be suggestive of the disease. They constitute the most common gynecological disorder among adolescent girls with a prevalence which can range from 34% to 94% according to the scientific literature.
Just like endometriosis, menstrual pain represents a real challenge for adolescent girls. They can lead to psychological distress with an increased risk of depression and limitation of daily activities.
A set of disorders little recognized even by those around you
Added to this is a lack of support and recognition from those around them and medical services. This is an additional difficulty faced by adolescent girls who are faced with menstrual symptoms linked to painful periods and/or endometriosis.
This is partly due to a lack of knowledge around menstruation, menstrual symptoms as well as endometriosis which are subject to stigmatization, normalization and negative attitudes both among adolescent girls themselves and in their family circle. , educational, friendly.
A lack of knowledge also by the first concerned and the doctors
A French study, carried out on women who had been diagnosed with endometriosis, highlighted a lack of awareness of the disease by some of them, since 35% believed that their symptoms were normal.
Even more striking, 60% of them said their symptoms were described as “normal” by doctors. This phenomenon of stigmatization and normalization creates an unconducive environment, leaving adolescent girls helpless when it comes to menstrual pain and, in some cases, endometriosis.
As a result, this causes additional delay in identifying the disease.
Expand menstrual health education
In this context, it becomes imperative to assess educational needs related to endometriosis and menstrual pain, in order to improve the quality of life of adolescent girls. This approach aims not only to break the preconceived ideas of adolescents themselves but also those of their family, school and social circle, to improve pain management, but also to promote early diagnosis of the disease.
Despite a growing effort to raise public awareness of these issues, there are today very few interventions aimed at prevention and education. It therefore seems necessary to deploy significant efforts to meet the educational challenges linked to endometriosis and, more generally, to the menstrual health of adolescents.
For research-based non-drug approaches
Beyond the educational aspect, it is imperative to initiate research to improve understanding of the specificities of the disease among this public.
This would also help guide health promotion actions, encouraging young women to take an active role in their well-being.
In this sense, non-drug approaches such as the promotion of physical activity can be favored.
Assess the benefit of physical activity
Indeed, physical activity acts as a protective factor once morest the development of chronic diseases. It might help improve pain management in endometriosis.
However, it is worrying to note that 85% of adolescent girls do not practice enough, if we refer to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
On the other hand, a report from the Council of Elders of Secularism highlights a tendency to avoid physical education and sports (PE) sessions among girls who, more than boys, resort to medical certificates to be exempt from these courses. This report evokes reasons of an intimate nature which, at least in part, can refer to periods and potentially associated pain.
In conclusion, the issue of endometriosis in adolescents requires a holistic approach. Dedicated research and educational efforts are essential if we want a future in which endometriosis in adolescents is diagnosed early, managed effectively, known and understood by all stakeholders in the adolescent social sphere, and in which young women will be empowered to make informed decisions regarding their health.
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