Endometriosis
Follow along on our year-long guide to Endometriosis, exploring the latest recommendations and research on diagnosis, treatment, and management of this often painful inflammatory disorder. Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus instead grows outside, thickening the area around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. Cysts -- endometriomas -- may develop, and if the thickened area becomes irritated, it can lead to scar tissue that can cause tissues and organs to stick to each other. Each month will delve into another aspect, including warning signs, symptoms, causes, and risks; management of symptoms; infertility and other quality-of-life issues; medication and surgery; distinguishing between endometriosis and other pelvic conditions; promising treatments in the pipeline; and lessons learned from unique case studies -- all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.
Endometriosis: Understanding the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology
–Complex genetic, physiologic, and environmental interactions drive this multifactorial disease
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What Is Endometriosis?
Diagnosing Endometriosis
–Surgery plus pathology is gold standard, but symptoms and clinical exam can kick-start treatment
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How Will Your Doctor Diagnose Endometriosis?
Managing Endometriosis: Research and Recommendations
–More treatment options needed, especially for those wishing to preserve fertility
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Know About Endometriosis Treatment
Case Study: Endometriosis or Hernia?
–A tricky diagnostic dilemma in a woman with groin pain
Endometriosis: Fertility and Pregnancy
–Patients are fertile, but may need time and assistance to conceive
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Fertility and Pregnancy in Endometriosis
The Latest on What to Know About Managing Endometriomas
–From watchful waiting to surgery and postop medications, these invasive cysts can be controlled
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Managing Endometriomas: What to Know
Enhancing the Doctor-Patient Dialogue About Endometriosis
–Careful listening and confronting biases are essential
Patient Handout
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Endometriosis
Case Study Mystery: Swollen, Painful Belly Button During Menstruation
–How clinicians arrived at a diagnosis of primary umbilical endometriosis coexisting with uterine fibroids
Endometriosis: Why Is Research Funding So Low?
–Despite broad prevalence and high costs, endometriosis research is greatly underfunded
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: 10 Key Q&As About the Burden of Endometriosis
Endometriosis Links to Inflammatory Conditions and Other Diseases
–Immune-related disorders, cardiovascular disease -- and slightly elevated risks for some cancers
Endometriosis: Mitigating Risk, Progression, and Severity
–Though many are not, some risk factors are amenable to modification
Endometriosis: New Research, New Directions
–Greater awareness of the diseases toll is spurring new research on multiple fronts
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: New Directions in Endometriosis