Endometriosis: Millions Affected, Millions Undiagnosed

RED BANK, NJ--A new online information kit on endometriosis, a condition that affects more than 5.5 million American women of reproductive age, is now available online from the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) at its Web site, fmxhosting.com/drupal635. The new online tool kit is being issued in conjunction with Endometriosis Awareness Month and includes an updated "Understanding Endometriosis," the latest in the series of "Fast Facts for Your Health."

"The typical woman with endometriosis has visited at least four doctors over the course of five to seven years before getting a correct diagnosis," according to Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, and executive director of the National Women's Health Resource Center. "Our goal is to ensure that women have the information they need to get diagnosed and treated as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The more women know, the more they can work with their health care professionals to shorten the time between the onset of symptoms and effective treatment."

Perhaps the biggest challenge that health care professionals face in accurately diagnosing endometriosis is the fact that the condition can present itself in many different ways. Common symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain apart from menstrual cramps, backache, pain during intercourse, painful bowel movements, pain in the pelvic region with exercise and painful pelvic examinations. It also can be difficult to diagnose because many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than endometriosis.

The Endometriosis Awareness Month Tool Kit includes: Fast Facts: Understanding Endometriosis; Questions to Ask Your Health Care Professional about Endometriosis; Lifestyle Tips; a menstrual cycle diary; and resources.

The publications and online kit were made possible by an educational grant from TAP Pharmaceutical Products, Inc.

To access any of the free information on endometriosis, please visit fmxhosting.com/drupal635.

The National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) is the leading independent health information source for women. The non-profit organization develops and distributes up-to-date and objective women's health information based on the latest advances in medical research and practice. NWHRC believes all women should have access to the most trusted and reliable health information. Informed women are healthier women.

Contact:
Lisa Wolfington
888-406-9472