Endometriosis is a disease that can affect people of all ages, including teenagers. It’s a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on one’s life. Although the majority of endometriosis sufferers are diagnosed with endometriosis in their late 20s or 30s, the condition can show symptoms during adolescence.
Endometriosis symptoms in teenagers
Teenagers are a sensitive category and their symptoms are often ignored by doctors, parents and teachers. When they do complain, some of them learn that menstrual pain is normal and that unfortunately, nothing can be done. This is one of the reasons that delay the diagnosis of endometriosis for several years.
Teenagers can experience various endometriosis symptoms such as pain during menstruation, low back pain, pain during ovulation. Once they become sexually active, they might experience pain during intercourse as well.
Endometriosis in teenagers
There is a misconception that teenagers do not get endometriosis. In reality though endometriosis can affect people of all ages. One of the youngest case reports is of a 2 days newborn that was diagnosed with endometriosis after surgery.
A study to document any abnormalities in patients with chronic pain using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy found an endometriosis incidence of 80%. Out of 141 women, average age 35 years, 113 had endometriosis.
In teenagers with pelvic pain the incidence rate varies from 19% to 73%. In a study on teenagers who underwent surgery for pelvic pain, the prevalence was estimated at 47%, whilst two other 2 retrospective studies found endometriosis in 70% to 73% of adolescents with pelvic pain that did not respond to medical therapy.
Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment in teenagers
Endometriosis diagnosis in teenagers is done based on symptoms. In some cases, gynaecological examinations might be done, as well as scans. Given their age, the diagnosis can be a bit difficult. Also, their endometriosis might not be visible on scans.
The gynaecological examination, when can be done, should be done carefully, patiently, and gently. It is also a very important aspect that the doctor knows how to perform a gynaecological examination for endometriosis and where to palpate and see patient reaction.
In terms of treatment, excision is the best option for teenagers. However, it is very important to be done by a specialist that can use excision.
