Written by: Jaylynn Sobotka and Elaina Ciercierski
Millions of women are forced to live with immense pelvic pain as a consequence of a condition known as endometriosis. However, this chronic pain doesn’t only affect their physical health; it impacts their work, relationships, and daily activities. Loved ones and communities also feel its effects, offering emotional and financial support to help navigate the challenges of living with this condition. Endometriosis is a life challenge that touches every aspect of a woman’s life.
Roughly 74,800 women are employed in the Pittsburgh area, accounting for nearly 55.3% of the local workforce. Considering that 10% of women in a population experience endometriosis or related forms of pelvic pain, an estimated 7,500 working women in Pittsburgh are affected by this chronic condition.
During this time, continued stress from these physical symptoms can contribute to significant financial and emotional burdens. Employed women with endometriosis lose an average of 6.3 hours a week in job productivity and spend an average of $10,178 per year on treatments and procedures, according to a study performed by Dr. Ahmed Soliman. These productivity losses not only affect individual employees but also reduce business products and service outputs, directly impacting the local economy. In Pittsburgh, these losses could be invested elsewhere in the community.
Endometriosis is a condition caused by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. These growths can develop into lesions, leading to various symptoms such as heavier periods, pelvic pain lasting longer than six months, infertility, painful bowel movements, nausea, unusual bloating, fatigue, and unexplained depression or anxiety. Most of these signs and symptoms are not easily quantified and can vary from person to person due to predisposed conditions, making diagnosis challenging. With the only means of official diagnosis being through laparoscopy, an average endometriosis diagnosis will likely take between eight to eleven years.
Endometriosis also has significant social implications. According to a preliminary study led and run by Gabriele Cavaggioni, Women with endometriosis have a greater likelihood of developing depression and anxiety, often leading to isolation, with many women struggling to leave their homes. This can further hinder the relationships and support they need during difficult times. Similar to the physical symptoms, mental health challenges can also reduce work productivity, further affecting the economy.
While there is no cure for endometriosis, the management of symptoms can allow women to live productive, healthy lives. For milder cases, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to slow the growth of prostaglandins, helping to ease the pain. Hormone therapies can also help to minimize tissue growth outside of the uterus. For more moderate and severe cases of endometriosis, surgery may be required to help with symptoms of the disease. A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus or other reproductive organs. These procedures are irreversible, and infertility is almost guaranteed. This option is more suited for older patients with endometriosis or those with an extreme case of the disease.
Fortunately, the Pittsburgh region is home to the UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital, which has a Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain. This center focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with endometriosis, providing comprehensive patient care including advanced diagnostic tools, specialized treatment programs, and continued research on improvements across these disciplines. However, since endometriosis is not traditionally considered life-threatening, funding for research is often allocated towards other diseases, making continued advancements challenging.
You can donate to research facilities like the Magee Women’s Research Institute and Foundation or the Hub for Endometriosis Research (HER) to support the advancement of research for improved diagnosis and treatment options. Alternatively, you can volunteer at organizations such as Resolve: the National Infertility Association, which runs local support groups for women who may suffer from some of the complications of the disease.
While endometriosis may come with its challenges, it does not have to limit a woman’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. By raising awareness and supporting progress towards improved availability and effectiveness of care, we can empower countless women in our community to overcome these obstacles and live healthier lives.