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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.

Ƶ MedicalToday

Endometriosis: Understanding the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology

–Complex genetic, physiologic, and environmental interactions drive this multifactorial disease

Diagnosing Endometriosis

–Surgery plus pathology is gold standard, but symptoms and clinical exam can kick-start treatment

Managing Endometriosis: Research and Recommendations

–More treatment options needed, especially for those wishing to preserve fertility

Case Study: Increasing Abdominal Pain 1.5 Years After C-Section

–Surgical resection is still the best approach for diagnosis and treatment of scar endometriosis

Endometriosis: Fertility and Pregnancy

–Patients are fertile, but may need time and assistance to conceive

The Latest on What to Know About Managing Endometriomas

–From watchful waiting to surgery and postop medications, these invasive cysts can be controlled

Case Study: Incidental Finding of Enlarged Kidney Leads to an Unexpected Endometriosis-Related Diagnosis

–Clinicians urged to be vigilant for silent hydronephrosis in women with menstrual pain

Endometriosis: Why Is Research Funding So Low?

–Despite broad prevalence and high costs, endometriosis research is greatly underfunded

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