Kildare Woman Says Three-Year Wait for Endometriosis Diagnosis Left Her Feeling Dismissed
Published
A woman from County Kildare says she spent three years trying to get a proper diagnosis for endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it. She says doctors repeatedly told her that her pain was normal, and she describes the experience as "medical gaslighting," a term used when patients feel their symptoms are ignored or doubted.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition that can cause severe pain during periods, pain during sex, and problems with fertility. It affects many women in Ireland, but it often takes years to diagnose. Patients commonly report that they were given painkillers or told to wait, rather than being referred for specialist tests such as a laparoscopy, which is a keyhole surgery used to confirm the condition.
The woman says that the delay affected her work, her relationships and her mental health. She is now calling for better training for doctors and faster access to specialist care. Advocacy groups have made similar requests in recent years, saying that shorter waiting times would help patients get treatment earlier and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Patients who think they may have endometriosis are advised to keep a record of their symptoms and to ask their GP about referral to a gynaecologist. Anyone who is concerned about their health should contact their doctor or the HSE for further information.
Sources: kildare-nationalist.ie
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