Tarragona Midwives Warn That Severe Menstrual Pain May Mask Endometriosis

The Tarragona College of Nurses reports that diagnosing this inflammatory condition can take up to ten years due to social normalization.

Generic image of a midwife's consultation room with medical equipment and fruit on the table.
IA

Generic image of a midwife's consultation room with medical equipment and fruit on the table.

The Official College of Nurses of Tarragona (CODITA) issued a warning this March regarding the normalization of intense menstrual pain, which often hides underlying cases of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In Catalonia, data from the Department of Health shows that 75% of symptomatic adolescents with pain resistant to medical treatment may suffer from this condition, which can lead to infertility and chronic fatigue.

"For many years, the idea that periods should hurt has been passed down, but pain that prevents a normal life is not normal."

Gemma Martínez · CODITA Midwife
Midwives in Tarragona's Sexual and Reproductive Health Care (ASSIR) services are crucial for early detection. They monitor symptoms and manage low-complexity hormonal treatments, such as IUDs, while coordinating referrals to specialized units for complex cases to avoid long diagnostic delays.
Beyond clinical care, CODITA emphasizes lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. Professionals recommend anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 and regular physical exercise, alongside psychological support to address the anxiety and depression often associated with chronic pelvic pain.