Thousands of women could be at risk of infertility, says charity

New study highlights the dangers of endometriosis

Almost 5,000 women in Renfrewshire could be suffering f rom endometriosis — a condition which can lead to infertility.

A total of 4,502 women in the local authority could have the painful condition and not even know, according to experts.

Following a recent BBC study of 13,500 women across the UK earlier this month, the harrowing truth surrounding the condition has been unearthed.

Of the thousands of women spoken to, half of the study claimed it had led to suicidal thoughts, while others told how it left the addicted to strong painkillers.

One in 10 women of reproductive age is likely to have the condition, according to charity Endometriosis UK.

There are currently 45,015 women of reproductive age in Renfrewshire.

Endometriosis is a condition where cells like those in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.

Every month the cells react in the same way as those in the womb by building up and breaking down and bleeding.

Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.

That leads to extremely painful, heavy periods and in some cases can also cause infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems because of inflammation and scar tissue.

Campaigners say that not enough is known about the illness and that, despite more women sharing their struggles with the illness in recent years, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the condition which takes an average 7.5 years to diagnose.

A spokeswoma n f rom Endometriosis UK said: “As it’s a hidden condition, it can be hard for those with the disease to get others to understand or believe the level of pain they are suffering from.

“There needs to be more education and awareness raising so people recognise the symptoms of the disease and can seek help, and more research into endometriosis to develop effective diagnosis and treatments.

“Historically women’s menstrual wellbeing is not an area that has had much research investment compared to many others, and we need to see this rectified.

“Women’s pelvic pain needs to be taken seriously.

“All too often, women are told their pain is “normal” or “in their head” and it is not taken seriously.

“This needs to change in order to reduce diagnosis time of endometriosis.

“Delayed diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis can have a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life –education, work, relationships, and personal life – and may result in the disease progressing.”

There needs to be more education and awareness raising so people recognise the symptons of the disease