What is Endometriosis, and Can Private Health Cover Help You Get a Diagnosis?

Also sometimes called “endo,” endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in nine women in Australia. It is a painful inflammatory disorder that can significantly impact a woman’s everyday life. Although living with endometriosis is a different experience for all women, severe pain, heavy menstrual flow, and infertility are common characteristics.

What Is Endometriosis?

A tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) may grow elsewhere in those with endometriosis. Commonly, the endometrial mass may develop in the pelvic and abdominal regions. However, it may also affect the urinary tract, GI tract, and other places beyond the pelvic location.

Endometriosis-related endometrial-like tissue acts similarly to healthy endometrial tissue, swelling, deteriorating, and bleeding after each menstrual cycle. However, this tissue becomes trapped because it can only go inside your body.

Endometriomas are formed when endometriosis affects the ovaries. Inflammation of nearby tissues can lead to adhesions and scar tissue and the formation of bands of fibrous tissue.

Endometriosis frequently causes pain, often severe pain, especially during menstruation. Problems with fertility may also develop. The diagnosis of endometriosis might take years, and there is no known treatment.

Endometriosis Diagnosis

The time between the onset of symptoms and the official diagnosis of endometriosis is typically seven years. Since lower abdomen or pelvic discomfort is the most common symptom, it can be perceived as an uncomfortable but “normal” aspect of the menstrual cycle. However, paying attention to your body and talking to a doctor about any symptoms is crucial.

Endometriosis cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Therefore, visiting an endometriosis specialist if you experience any symptoms is necessary and helpful. A doctor will examine your pelvis internally and press on your belly to feel for any odd swelling or tissue growth, in addition to looking for signs of endometriosis. Diagnostic imaging examinations may also be useful.

From there, a physician might need to do a laparoscopy, a surgical technique, to confirm the diagnosis. To examine the problem areas and collect tissue samples for testing (biopsy), the doctor inserts narrow telescope-style equipment into the stomach while the patient is under general anesthesia.

A laparoscopy is a procedure that carries hazards of its own. Based on your symptoms and whether you are attempting to get pregnant, the doctor will advise you whether it is necessary.

Laparoscopic keyhole surgery is the only procedure that can definitively diagnose endometriosis. However, consulting a doctor and beginning the process early for young women with pelvic pain can be crucial.

Before having a laparoscopic procedure, you might be referred for a pelvic check, an MRI, an ultrasound, or even a visit to a gynecologist. A pelvic exam is typically avoided by women who are not sexually active, but your medical team will advise you on what is best for you.

Seeking a Private Health Insurance for an Endometriosis Diagnosis

Private health insurance enables you to schedule a consultation with a specialist and surgery more quickly, depending on your symptoms. The ability to schedule a treatment depends entirely on the availability of the doctors and hospital. Always consult your general practitioner first; they will almost certainly refer you to a gynecologist.

With certain Extras coverage, you might also visit other medical experts like exercise physiologists, dietitians, and nutritionists. These professionals can help you manage your symptoms and overall well-being.

Wrap-Up

If you have private hospital insurance, you can choose to receive private care, avoiding public hospital waiting lines and possibly getting to pick your doctor and private hospital room (both subject to availability).

An additional policy can assist with defraying the expense of outpatient endometriosis treatment, including visits to a physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, and other healthcare professionals.