Three million. This is the number of women affected endometriosis In France. This disease, which is characterized by the development of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus, progresses from puberty to menopause, as Health Insurance explains. It causes intense abdominal and pelvic pain that is debilitating and debilitating for women who suffer from it. As the French association fighting endometriosis EndoFrance explains, “there is not one but several endometriosis”. Indeed, there are no certainties about this disease, except that it takes different forms in different places according to different proportions from one woman to another, we can read on their website.
A new survey conducted by OpinionWay for Finn Partners looked at the level of knowledge of the French about endometriosis. To do this, they conducted a survey among 1,000 French people aged 18 and over. The results of this survey revealed a lack of awareness among the French regarding endometriosis, particularly regarding the existence of several forms of this disease.
What are the different types of endometriosis?
As EndoFrance reminds us, “We no longer classify endometriosis as stage 1,2,3 or 4”. We now speak of three forms of endometriosis. However, according to the results of the survey, more than half of French people (57%) are unaware of the existence of several types of endometriosis. Here are the three types of endometriosis, according to EndoFrance:
- Superficial (or peritoneal) endometriosis. She is located mainly in the pelvic peritoneum, and designates the presence of ectopic endometrial implants, as explained by EndoFrance. This is the most common form.
- Ovarian endometriosis. According to EndoFrance, it corresponds to the presence of an ovarian cyst, “which is characterized by its chocolate-colored fluid content”. It is also called endometriome or endometriotic ovarian cyst.
- Pelvic endometriosis deep (or subperitoneal). This is a serious form of endometriosis that can harm other organs in the body and often leads to a deterioration in the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. “It corresponds to lesions which infiltrate in depth more than 5 mm below the surface of the peritoneum (membrane which covers and holds in place the abdominal cavity)”, specifies EndoFrance. It can affect different parts of the body such as the uterosacral ligaments, the intestine, the bladder or even the ureters.
Endometriosis: what do the French know about this gynecological disease?
If more than half of French people seem to be unaware of the different types of endometriosis, the results of the OpinionWay survey nevertheless reveal that 88% of French people know that endometriosis can lead to infertility and that it has an impact on sexuality, but also that 76% of them recognize that one can suffer from this disease all their life.
What knowledge do French people have regarding the management of endometriosis? As part of the survey, two treatments were particularly cited: hormonal treatment and surgery, which were mentioned by 56% of those surveyed. Cryotherapy ablation, physical activity, physiotherapy and dietetics were also cited as treatment solutions known to the French.
As a reminder, if you suffer from symptoms of endometriosis, it is important to refer you to a healthcare professional who can diagnose your endometriosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Sources :
- The French and endometriosis – Results of the survey – OpinionWay survey for Finn Partners
- Endometriosis: definition and contributing factors – Health Insurance
- What is endometriosis? – EndoFrance
