Compensation for Endometriosis Impact due to Delayed Diagnosis
A significant delay in the diagnosis of endometriosis can leave a woman with severe and life-changing complications, both physical and emotional.
Long-term effects of untreated endometriosis
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. Its early symptoms are likely to include abdominal pain, pain when urinating and pain during sexual intercourse. All these symptoms may have a variety of causes and a woman may suffer pain for a long time before her condition is diagnosed.
A delay in diagnosis and treatment, however, can allow the condition to worsen and leave the woman subject to long-term pain, a range of physical problems due to internal scar tissue and possible infertility. It can also affect gut health and cause problems with the bowel.
A long-term failure to recognise a woman's symptom's and refer her for further investigation can also impact on her mental health and capacity to work.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition which is experienced by some women and which can often take a long time to diagnose.
It occurs when the endometrial tissue, which normally develops in the uterus and is lost each month during menstruation, develops outside of the uterus. This can cause considerable pain.
Endometriosis can occur in a variety of locations within the woman's body including the ovaries, the lining of the abdomen and the fallopian tubes. It can also occasionally develop in more distant regions of the body, causing significant complications.
Diagnosis of endometriosis
Persistent symptoms without a diagnosis should justify further investigation in order to rule out a diagnosis of endometriosis.
Assessment for endometriosis normally requires the woman to undergo a laparoscopy. This involves the insertion of a small, lit medical instrument through an incision in the abdomen which allows a specialist to view the condition of the woman's pelvic region. It may sometimes be used to treat any endometriosis tissue if it is found to be there.
Without the necessary investigation, the woman's condition may remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to a deterioration of her symptoms. Her long-term health and well-being may be compromised.
Medical negligence
A failure to consider endometriosis as a diagnosis for a woman's severe, persistent abdominal and pelvic symptoms may be considered as substandard care.
If the woman suffers significant health problems as a result of this delay, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice. Contact us if you or a loved one are suffering due to a delay in diagnosis or treatment of severe endometriosis.
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