All you need to know about 'Endometriosis' that Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel suffered from during her life

Hilary Mantel, the British author, and winner of the Booker Prize passed away on Thursday, September 22, at the age of 70. The author succumbed to complications arising out of a stroke she suffered three days ago at an Exeter hospital. The author of Wolf Hall also suffered from severe endometriosis for most of her life.

What is Endometriosis?

In simple words, endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system. The illness causes pelvic pain, infertility, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and bodily movement pain during physical activities like walking and exercising. Endometriosis causes the endometrial tissue of the inner wall of the uterus to grow outside of it in areas like the pelvis and fallopian tubes.


Endometriosis is primarily caused in women over 30 years, though it may also affect teenagers. However, the causes of the disorder remain known; likewise, there’s no proven treatment for it. It is popularly said in medical circles that the one who finds the cause and cure of endometriosis would win the Nobel Prize.

How to diagnose it?

Diagnosing endometriosis requires advanced procedures like an ultrasound of the pelvic region. Upon examination of the pelvis, large cysts detection indicates that the patient is suffering from the disorder. However, the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is through direct visualization via laparoscopy. An MRI scan of the pelvic region can also be helpful in detecting cysts.

Socio-psychological effects of Endometriosis

Apart from the physical effects, endometriosis also has severe effects on the social and psychological health of the patients. The constant pain that a woman may experience adversely affects her daily activities and those associated with her, including her family and colleagues. Moreover, women suffering from endometriosis would need to apply for leaves more often than others, which may also hinder their professional growth.
FAQ

1. What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
   Common symptoms include infertility, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and other bodily pains.
2. When did Hilary Mantel win the Booker Prize?
   Hilary Mantel won the Booker Prize in 2012 for Wolf Hall.