The Real Cost Of Endometriosis

In addition to recognizing women’s history, March is also international endometriosis awareness month.

This condition, often characterized by painful periods, affects one in every 10 women in the U.S., and nearly 200 million women worldwide.

Those numbers, however, are believed to potentially be much higher—as many patients will go undiagnosed. Though so many are afflicted, women suffer in silence as the topic remains absent from public health discussions.

The disease costs women more than their ability to feel well; it can cost them their success. It’s not just women who suffer, either. The condition costs the U.S. economy roughly $119 billion annually, reports the article. "Endometriosis imposes a substantial economic burden on society, mainly related to productivity loss," stated researchers for Oxford Journals' Human Reproduction Update.

Those who suffer from it are also at higher risks of ovarian cancer, and heart disease, the article reports.

The condition occurs when tissue forms outside of the uterus. Symptoms include severe pain, changes in mood, and infertility, among others. Aside from the physical tolls, Endometriosis is emotionally taxing: personal and professional lives suffer, and pain is dismissed as hysteria – even by medical professionals.

On average it takes 7-10 years to diagnose. Because so little is still known about the condition, women have limited treatment options. Some treatments aren’t covered by insurance, and are extremely costly to patients.

Meanwhile, little is known about endometriosis and researchers do not yet know what causes it. More research is needed, but so is awareness. Many women think such debilitating pain is normal—others are constantly asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

Sufferers remain hopeful as celebrities like Leah Denman, Padma Lakshmi, and Julianne Hugh are bringing more attention to the topic.