Contraceptives Delaying Diagnoses of Critical Women's Health Issues

According to a recent study, hormonal contraceptive pills could be concealing key symptoms of two critical conditions affecting women's health: endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is leading to delayed diagnoses that may have long-term consequences on the health and fertility of thousands of women.

The symptoms of these two conditions are often similar to side effects of hormonal contraception or may be masked by the pill, such as heavy or irregular periods and pains. Research from TFP Fertility found that two-thirds, or 66%, of women with PCOS or endometriosis say hormonal contraception delayed their diagnosis. The issue is particularly prevalent among younger women, with 81% of those between the ages of 25 and 34 believing contraception delayed their diagnosis.

Most women with PCOS are typically diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 34, while almost a third of endometriosis patients aren't diagnosed until after 35, according to the survey of 2,000 UK women. Beyond fertility impacts, these conditions can also take a toll on daily life and lead to other health problems. PCOS can increase the risk of type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while endometriosis can cause debilitating pain that prevents people from going about their daily routine.