On Tuesday January 11, the President of the Republic announced the launch of a national strategy against endometriosis, this gynecological pathology which affects one in ten women in France. With three main areas: improving knowledge about endometriosis among the general public and health professionals, facilitating access to care and diagnosis throughout France and investing in research to better understand its causes and find treatments adapted. The idea being to “develop an endometriosis reflex”, for this misdiagnosed pathology. And for good reason: the time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis of the disease is 7 years on average. With a consequent impact on the care and quality of life of women.
“We must develop research to hope to eradicate this disease one day”
In a long interview with Top Santé magazine, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran details this national strategy. “It’s a complete battle plan, wanted by the President of the Republic. First, making the disease better known to the general public, the fact that the President takes the problem head on clearly contributes to it. Why? So that young women no longer suffer in silence or in a form of indifference. No, it’s not normal to have such painful periods. Yes, sometimes you need a clinical examination and specialized imaging, because the origin of the problem may be endometriosis. This is the second challenge, to better train doctors and caregivers, including in schools. This also involves developing expert centers throughout the country. Put an end to a delay in diagnosis that can reach years. Then comes the treatment, there are effective ones, even if they do not cure the disease. And because we must not give up, we must develop research to hope to eradicate this disease one day. And since endometriosis can cause infertility, it is absolutely necessary to support women on their journey.”
“Endometriosis is not for everyone incurable, long, disabling”
Thursday, January 13, the National Assembly unanimously voted on a proposal by the deputies of La France insoumise to include endometriosis in the list of long-term conditions (ALD) – such as chronic liver disease, severe arterial hypertension or Parkinson’s disease. Very concretely, patients suffering from endometriosis would see their medical procedures reimbursed 100% by Social Security. At present, this reimbursement is “only” 70%. However, it is possible to be covered at 100% provided that you obtain an ALD status “off the list” (or ALD 31). A status that is obtained after a real course more or less complicated, even very complicated depending on the region. The recognition of endometriosis as ALD would therefore make it possible to harmonize the care of patients.
Until then the Minister of Health had said he was “personally unfavorable” to the recognition of endometriosis as ALD. A position that he justifies at Top Health: “Today, doctors can already declare endometriosis as a long-term condition when necessary. Some associations claim that it be classified as ALD 30, which would allow women to have systematic management of Health insurance with no remaining costs, no additional part, no waiting days. But other associations – and this is also the opinion of the professionals I have consulted on this subject, in particular the High Authority for Health – , say that one can very well have endometriosis and not recover from a disease considered disabling for life. Endometriosis is not in all cases incurable, long, disabling ; there are lighter forms. For me, this is a question that must be re-examined based on our knowledge of the disease. And my priority today is precisely to know better, to make known and to spot quickly.”
Gynecological and obstetrical violence, post-delivery support, abuse in nursing homes… Find the full interview with Olivier Véran in the April’s Top Health Magazine.
Read also:
- Menstrual pain: how to know if it’s endometriosis?
- Endometriosis: a saliva test will allow a reliable diagnosis in just ten days
- Testimonial: “Endometriosis stole 18 years of my life”
