In a five-part series, journalist Jayme Doll explores the struggles that some Albertans face when trying to get their reproductive conditions recognized and treated. The first part of the series sheds light on the challenges women experience with menstruation, including issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Many women have been suffering in silence with debilitating pain that goes beyond what is considered normal. One woman, Katie Leaf, shared her experience of being discredited and ignored by healthcare professionals, despite knowing that something was wrong with her body. After 23 years, she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome at the age of 21. Similarly, Laura McDonald also struggled to get a diagnosis for her excruciating period pain, being told that the pain was all in her head.
Both polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis affect 1 in 10 people of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular cyst growth, and the presence of extra male hormones, leading to issues like acne, unwanted facial hair, and infertility. On the other hand, endometriosis involves the spread of cells from the uterine lining to other parts of the body, causing severe pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. The gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery, which can help surgeons identify and remove the endometrial tissue. However, there is no guarantee that the tissue will not regrow, and many women, like Katie and Laura, have undergone multiple surgeries to manage their conditions.
The delay in diagnosing reproductive conditions like endometriosis and PCOS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. For 19-year-old Rose Plican, debilitating period pain has forced her to put her studies on hold multiple times. She has been on a two-year waiting list to see a gynecologist and has been waiting months for a pelvic scan. The diagnostic delay for endometriosis is a global issue, with Canada averaging a delay of 5.3 years. Rose’s mother, Carolyn Plican, who is also a women’s health-care advocate, discovered a new technology called EndoSure, a non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis that promises faster and more accurate diagnosis, allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment sooner.
Dr. Liane Belland, a Calgary surgeon specializing in minimally invasive gynecological surgery, acknowledges the challenges faced by women’s health specialists in navigating a healthcare system that prioritizes obstetrics over gynecology. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, there are barriers preventing patients from accessing timely care. Stigma surrounding reproductive health issues can also prevent individuals from seeking help. Dr. Ari Sanders, another gynecological surgeon, emphasizes the importance of addressing normalizing discussions around period pain and the need for support groups and social media to provide validation and support for those suffering from debilitating periods.
Individuals like Katie Leaf are advocating for greater awareness and understanding of reproductive health issues, especially for conditions like endometriosis and PCOS that disproportionately affect women. The fight to destigmatize period pain and empower women to seek help is gaining momentum through initiatives like support groups and online campaigns for paid sick days for period-related issues. Society as a whole has a role to play in recognizing the severity of menstrual disorders and providing support for those who are suffering. Women no longer need to suffer in silence and are encouraged to listen to their bodies, prioritize their health, and seek help when needed.
