According to the National Board of Health and Welfare, it is not uncommon for women with severe menstrual pain to have to wait eight years before being diagnosed.
It is dismissed as, among other things, common menstrual pain, urinary tract infection or stomach pain.
Important with early detection
Pia Hedberg, chief physician at the gynecology clinic in Östersund, admits that there are gaps in knowledge about the disease in healthcare.
- It is very important that the disease is detected in time, says Pia Hedberg.
Because it is a hormonal disease, you can start hormone treatment early and prevent it from spreading.
It would be good if the school pays attention to girls who stay at home and makes sure that they get help.
Get birth control pills
Women can have everything from mild symptoms to very severe pain.
The disease is treated with various hormone preparations, such as birth control pills.
In the case of very aggressive spread, surgery may be necessary.
- Those who are diagnosed can live with pain all their lives, says Pia Hedberg.
It can be pain during intercourse and it can be difficult to have children.
In addition, hormone therapy can cause side effects.
Messy for the patients
The government has drawn attention to the situation for endometriosis patients and commissioned the National Board of Health and Welfare to issue national guidelines for 2018. But already now there is money earmarked for women's health.
- Right now it is a bit messy because we have a shortage within the staff groups that will take care of this group of patients.
There is a lack of district doctors and midwives, among others.
But the new money means that we can improve care, says Pia Hedberg.
- We plan to put together a team with special expertise.