Claim For Misdiagnosed Endometriosis

The ‘Missed Disease’ Which Is Misdiagnosed More Commonly Than You Think

You can make a medical negligence claim for misdiagnosed endometriosis, or even for a delayed diagnosis. Endometriosis, which has been called the ‘Missed Disease’, is a chronic condition which reports suggest may affect 1 in 10 women.

Delays in diagnosis can be a number of years. It occurs when tissue, similar to the uterus lining, grows outside the womb. This may cause inflammation, pain and it may even result in infertility issues.

If you have been misdiagnosed, you may be able to claim for misdiagnosed endometriosis and Jefferies Claims may be able to assist you.

 Reasons for Misdiagnosis

1. Symptoms Overlap with Other Conditions
   Endometriosis can present a wide range of symptoms. This may include severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue, pain during intercourse, and digestive issues. As a result, many patients are initially misdiagnosed with conditions that do not fully explain their symptoms.
2. Normalised Menstrual Pain
   Menstrual pain is often normalised in society. So when you go to your GP, your severe period pain may be dismissed as normal.  Or you may be told that your symptoms are “just part of being a woman.” Without sufficient training on recognising the complexities of endometriosis, medical professionals may not consider it as a primary diagnosis.
3. Non-Specialised Tests
   Unfortunately endometriosis cannot be detected through blood tests or imaging scans. It requires laparoscopic surgery for definitive diagnosis. However, you may have already undergone ultrasounds or MRIs, which may often fail to detect mild or moderate cases. Because of this failure, doctors may assume the patient does not have endometriosis, leading to further misdiagnosis.
4. Underestimation of Pain Reports
   Studies suggest that women experiencing chronic pain are more likely to be told their symptoms are stress-related. Or they may be prescribed medication for anxiety or depressions rather than being referred for further investigation. This may result in a delay of appropriate care and contributes to the long wait for diagnosis.

Ten Mistaken Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Both IBS and endometriosis can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS can also cause irregular periods, pelvic pain, and fertility issues. This may result in confusion between endometriosis and PCOS.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – A bacterial infection affecting the reproductive organs, PID can cause chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and heavy periods, similar to endometriosis.

Fibroids – Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, leading to difficulty in a diagnosis

Ovarian Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries can cause pain and hormonal disruptions, sometimes mimicking the symptoms of endometriosis.

Adenomyosis – A condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, leading to painful, heavy periods. This condition may often be confused with endometriosis.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Fibromyalgia – Endometriosis can cause extreme fatigue, which sometimes leads to a misdiagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) or Interstitial Cystitis – Endometriosis on or near the bladder can mimic UTI symptoms, such as frequent urination and pelvic pain.

Appendicitis – In cases of severe pain on the right side of the abdomen, endometriosis is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis.

Psychological Disorders (Anxiety/Depression) – When physical symptoms (especially chronic pain and fatigue) lack clear medical evidence, some patients are misdiagnosed with mental health conditions instead of endometriosis.

Impact of Misdiagnosis

The consequences of delayed or misdiagnosis may be severe. You may have endured years of chronic pain. This may have had a highly negative impact on your quality of life, work productivity, and mental health. Additionally, you may be experiencing feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even depression due to the lack of medical support.

Additionally, if left untreated endometriosis can lead to complications such as adhesions (scar tissue that causes organs to stick together), infertility, and an increased risk of requiring complex surgical procedures.

Furthermore, early diagnosis of the conditions can ensure a more effective treatment in managing the symptoms and preventing long term damage.

Steps To Claim For Misdiagnosed Endometriosis

Finding out that you are suffering endometriosis which was misdiagnosed can be very distressing. Jefferies Claims can advise you on a potential medical negligence claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and your information remains confidential.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.