Why is endometriosis often misdiagnosed?
There is a multitude of misdiagnoses that doctors will assign to endometriosis. This is primarily because endometriosis is a complex disorder that can often mask itself as other conditions (due to its similar symptoms as seen in said disorders). The common public, including the average physician, is generally not well-aware of the disease. There is, unfortunately, a lack of knowledge and experience in the medical community when it comes to diagnosing endometriosis. The battle against endometriosis is as much an awareness issue as it is medical, thus proving the great need for continued research.
What are the common misdiagnoses?
Endometriosis may masquerade as other disorders such as:
- Appendicitis
- Ovarian cysts
- Bowel obstruction
- Colon cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Fibroids
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Ovarian cancer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sexually transmitted disease
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