Page 155 - Diagnostic delay of endometriosis
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In this thesis the determinants of the diagnostic delay of endometriosis in the Netherlands were studied from the perspective of the patient (chapters two and three), the general practitioner (chapters four and five) and the gynaecologist (chapter six). Opportunities to decrease the delay were evaluated by an expert panel of both patients and professionals in chapter seven. The relevance and clinical implications of the findings obtained in these studies as well as the future perspectives are discussed in this chapter in a multidimensional approach.
If I were a woman
As a woman, I want to be well informed about my own body and health. I believe that general information about the anatomy and function of the female reproductive system should be provided to me from a young age onwards, because this will make it easier for me bring this up if necessary. This information can be given at home, by my parents or other caregivers especially during puberty and adolescence. In addition, this topic should be addressed at my school as well. Age appropriate information about the physiology of normal menstruation, including possible associated symptoms, should be provided to me either by teachers or health care providers. It is important for me to learn which discomforts are within the normal range, and when to seek medical help.
Information regarding possible gynaecologic conditions, especially those with a high prevalence rate or large impact on wellbeing should be provided to both boys and girls. Since endometriosis is one of the most prevalent benign gynaecologic conditions, with symptoms often starting at young age, the importance of communicating with adolescents about this condition is obvious.1, 2 The studies presented in this thesis stress the value of knowledge about normal menstruation and endometriosis in the general population, since the diagnostic delay of endometriosis is in part attributable to delayed disclosure of symptoms.3-5 A study from Shadbolt and co-workers indicated that a majority of young women advocate the education of teenagers about endometriosis, and they prefer obtaining this information from schools, the internet and magazines.6 There is some evidence that the introduction of a menstrual health education program increases awareness and promotes early help seeking behaviour of young women.7 However, teenagers and adolescents may not feel comfortable to discuss these topics at school, and adequate information is not easily available on the internet.6, 8 For this reason, it is of great
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