In the chronic disease endometriosis, tissue that closely resembles the lining of the uterus forms elsewhere in the body. These foci react like cells in the uterus: they are subject to hormonal influences, follow the cycle and can cause bleeding. However, the blood cannot drain normally, which can lead to the formation of cysts, adhesions, inflammation and scar tissue.
This can cause very severe pain and, in severe cases, affect other organs. Although endometriosis is benign, many women suffer from severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, pain during intercourse or psychological distress. Infertility can also be a possible consequence. However, diagnosis is often difficult because symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman. However, if the disease is detected early, the symptoms can sometimes be treated well.
Expertise should be pooled
The new endometriosis platform is now intended to bundle the expertise of several experts in this field. The platform is made up of representatives from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, the Medical Association, self-help groups and the Vienna Health Number 1450, among others.
A work program has also been drawn up. However, what exactly it entails has not been revealed. In any case, the aim is to shorten the waiting time for a diagnosis and improve the quality of life of those affected. “I am confident that with the strategy process launched by the Vienna Program for Women’s Health we can use the expertise to quickly improve the situation,” said City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker (SPÖ) in a press release.
Those affected hope that the supply situation will improve
There is already an endometriosis center at MedUni Vienna. The head of the center, Rene Wenzl, welcomes the establishment of the new platform: “In order to be able to provide good care for women with endometriosis, interdisciplinary collaboration for diagnosis and treatment is essential.” The new platform is located at the Ottakring Clinic.
Patient organizations, the Endometriosis Austria Self-Help Group (ENDÖ), are also involved in the work of the platform: “We are pleased that we can contribute our expertise, which arises from the difficult and diverse realities of life of those affected, and thus enable an improvement in care,” says Verena Buck from ENDÖ. However, exactly how the platform’s work is designed is unclear.
