It’s common knowledge at this point – childhood abuse has lasting consequences. Children who are abused, whether it’s physical, sexual, or psychological, grow up with a host of behavioral and emotional problems. From depression and higher instances of substance abuse, to self harming behaviors and difficulty forming intimate relationships, abused children spend the rest of their lives coping with the aftermath of their childhood abuse.

Childhood abuse is linked to many mental health issues

However, while the psychological effects of abuse are well documented, there is less in the way of evidence to prove that abuse can have lasting physical effects as well. Which is partly what makes this recent study so revolutionary – it can now be proven that childhood abuse is directly linked to higher instances of endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is endometriosis? It’s an extremely painful disease where tissue from the uterus is found growing in other parts of the body. Most women who suffer from endometriosis struggle with severe pain, and even infertility. This 30 year study tracked 60,000 women and discovered that women who suffered childhood abuse are 79% more likely to suffer from endometriosis.

How does child abuse cause endometriosis?

So how does it happen? Researchers aren’t sure, but the theory at this point is that when a child is abused, their body enters into a state of heightened stress, which causes all kinds of physical changes to occur in the body and brain. These changes, research shows, have a lasting impact on a person’s health throughout their life.

So what does this mean for women’s health?

Current estimates show that 10% of women are affected by endometriosis worldwide, which is a surprisingly large portion of the female population. According to Stacey Missmer, a professor at Michigan State University and one of the researchers involved in the study, “What it does mean, is that physical and sexual abuse is a public health issue that is real and far too common and needs to be addressed.”

Child abuse is a complicated issue.

While some cases of child abuse are clear – other situations are complex due to cultural norms, disciplinary methods, and parenting styles. What one person may think of as abusive, another person may think of as perfectly normal, or entirely necessary. At The Kronzek Firm we understand that parenting methods differ from person to person, and that it’s your right to decide how best to parent your children. If you or a loved one have been accused of child abuse, call 866 766 5245 and talk to a skilled child abuse defense attorney today!