According to recent statistics, it can take as long as a decade for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis. For Black Americans, the wait can be even longer. One of the best ways to ensure that your symptoms are taken seriously is to find an endometriosis specialist. Let’s look at how you can find one.
It’s unlikely that you’re alone when it comes to dealing with endometriosis. As such, it pays to ask your friends and family if they’ve been to an endometriosis specialist before.
If they can give you a name, it will save you a lot of time and energy to find one on your own. Even if that doctor isn’t in your area, they may be able to give you contact information for other doctors who are easier to get to.
Another great source for a list of endometriosis specialists is online support groups. These groups usually have people who are dealing with endometriosis on several levels, so they’re likely to have useful information for you.
If you can find a support group that is specifically for Black people, that will be even better for you.
RELATED: A Georgia Gynecologist Argues That Treating Endometriosis Isn’t A “One-And-Done” Deal
Online health platforms such as BlackDoctor.org often have a search engine that you can use to find specialists.
The good thing about using a site that’s designed for Black Americans is that you can get access to Black doctors who can help you.
Your health insurance provider should have a list of specialists that you can browse. The beauty of this option is that you’ll already know that they’re covered by your provider.
If they’re not in your area, you can still contact them for information about other doctors who are close to you.
These kinds of centers specialize in treating endometriosis. The number of them that are available to you will vary depending on your location but it’s worth it to travel if your symptoms are moderate to severe.
Additionally, some of these doctors have successfully petitioned insurance providers to cover treatment that wasn’t part of a patient’s health plan.
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Not only does it take longer for Black women to get diagnosed with endometriosis, but studies also show that they are more likely to be misdiagnosed, wait longer for treatment, and often don’t get access to all the possible treatment options.
When you’re working with a specialist, they’re less likely to dismiss even your smallest symptoms as endometriosis doesn’t present the same for everyone, especially in the early stages. Specialists also undergo further training to better help their patients undertake the best treatment plan for them.
Another benefit of working with a specialist is that they may work with a team. Care centers are exploring a new multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapists, fertility specialists, counselors, pain specialists, massage therapists, and nutritionists.
Additionally, specialists will have access to up-to-date research and training that is relevant to endometriosis. For example, there have been advancements in minimally invasive surgery for people with endometriosis. There has been a growing preference for these types of surgeries as they have a shorter recovery time, don’t require hormone therapy, and usually don’t affect the patient’s fertility.
Studies also show that Black women have better experiences and outcomes when working with Black doctors. While they haven’t identified the factors involved with endometriosis, in particular, it’s possible that Black doctors are less prone to dismiss the symptoms of their Black patients. They also spend more time discussing treatment options while getting their patients on board.
Endometriosis can significantly affect your day-to-day life and overall health. That’s why it’s important to get diagnosed quickly and start treatment. Finding a specialist is a key step in this process, so use all the resources you can to find the right one for you.
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