Kathleen, a 31-year-old woman from Rumst, Belgium, describes a life significantly constrained by endometriosis, a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting approximately one in ten women. Her experience mirrors that of an estimated 430,000 women in the Netherlands, and a similar proportion in the Limburg region of Belgium, where one in ten women are affected. The disease, characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus, can cause severe pain, impact fertility, and diminish quality of life.
Diagnosing endometriosis can be a lengthy and frustrating process. The condition can manifest in adolescence and persist until menopause, yet often goes unrecognized for years. Professor Dr. Jasper Verguts, a gynaecologist specializing in endometriosis at Jessa Hospital in Hasselt, Belgium, has dedicated his career to improving both the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. He also authored a book in late 2022 aimed at breaking the taboos surrounding endometriosis and increasing public awareness.
Verguts leads a multidisciplinary endometriosis center at Jessa Hospital, emphasizing a collaborative approach involving radiology, abdominal surgery, urology, and, more recently, sexology. He stresses the importance of a radiologist experienced in identifying endometriosis through imaging, as well as skilled surgeons and urologists due to the disease’s potential to affect a broad area of the lower abdomen. The center also occasionally consults with a pain center for comprehensive management.
Treatment options for endometriosis vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual patient preferences. Oral contraceptives are often used to suppress menstruation and alleviate pain. In other cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Verguts’s operate acknowledges the significant impact endometriosis can have on sexual health, highlighting the value of incorporating sexological support into treatment plans.
Patients seeking a consultation with Professor Verguts can contact his private practice at 011 22 89 03 or the Jessa Hospital at 011 33 55 77. Referrals to the Jessa endometriosis center or Verguts’s private practice can be made by general practitioners or gynaecologists. Verguts also teaches courses on pharmacology and reproduction at colleges and universities in the Limburg region.
The challenges faced by women with endometriosis extend beyond physical pain. The lack of understanding surrounding the disease can lead to feelings of isolation and invalidate their experiences. Margot Petit, an apothecary and endometriosis patient, contributed a foreword to Verguts’s book, underscoring the demand for greater support and recognition of the condition.
