There is much debate as to whether or not endometriosis is becoming more common.

Some gynaecologists believe that there has been an increase in the actual number of women who have endometriosis. These gynaecologists believe that the condition has become more common because women are having fewer children and having them later in life-two factors which they believe predispose women to developing endometriosis.

Other gynaecologists believe that there has only been an increase in the number of women being diagnosed. The rate at which endometriosis has been diagnosed has certainly increased over the last 30 years, particularly since the introduction of laparoscopy in the early 1970s. This does not mean that the condition is more common than it was 30 or 40 years ago. It is more likely to mean that the condition is being diagnosed more frequently because the introduction of laparoscopy has made it much easier to diagnose and because there is a greater awareness and recognition of the condition by the medical profession.

The increased rate of diagnosis could also be a reflection of the fact that nowadays women are less likely to accept that some of the symptoms of endometriosis such as period pain and heavy bleeding are a normal part of a woman’s life. Consequently they are more persistent in seeking a diagnosis-and treatment-for their symptoms.

What type of woman gets endometriosis?

Traditionally, gynaecologists have described the typical woman with endometriosis as being white, middle class, career-oriented, intelligent, a perfectionist, over-anxious, ambitious, obsessive, and underweight, in her 30s or 40s with a stressful career and who has deliberately delayed childbearing to pursue an education or career. Such a description is a myth, derived from the impressions and judgments of a few of the leading gynaecologists of the 1930s and 40s. Nevertheless, the myth has been handed down as fact to other gynaecologists. Not one of the descriptions has been scientifically proven and many have been refuted. With improved diagnosis-since the introduction of the laparoscopy – endometriosis has been found in the entire spectrum of women. However, some doctors still believe the traditional description or parts of it-and the preconceived idea still persists in many of the current medical textbooks and journals and popular literature.

Inaccurately, endometriosis is still frequently referred to as ‘the career woman’s disease’.

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