Study Sheds Light on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Endometriosis

Study Sheds Light on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Three genes, TNFSF12, AP3M1, and PDK2 could be key biomarkers of programmed cell death in endometriosis, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. “These findings provide new directions for the early diagnosis and…

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Endometriosis May Be Identified Using a Standardized Questionnaire

Endometriosis May Be Identified Using a Standardized Questionnaire By Özge Özkaya

Screening adolescents and young adult women with a questionnaire can identify clinical symptoms associated with histologically proven endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction.  “Combined with imaging and clinical examination, this approach will enable…

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What Factors Affect the Chance of Being Diagnosed With Endometriosis?

What Factors Affect the Chance of Being Diagnosed With Endometriosis? By Özge Özkaya

There are demographic disparities in the diagnosis of endometriosis among women in the US, ages 15 to 50 according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology.  These disparities suggest that intersecting barriers may prevent some…

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Is there a Way of Knowing if I Have Endometriosis Without Surgery?

Is there a Way of Knowing if I Have Endometriosis Without Surgery? By Özge Özkaya

The levels of certain cell signaling molecules called interleukins (ILs) are higher while that of others is lower in patients with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology.  “There is mounting evidence that…

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MRI Improves Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Diagnosis

MRI Improves Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Diagnosis By Özge Özkaya

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with susceptibility-weighted imaging sequence is the best method of non-invasively diagnosing endometriosis, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine. However, the authors noted, “Laparoscopy is still the gold standard of…

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Early use of hormonal contraceptives and the probability of endometriosis diagnosis later in life

 Early use of hormonal contraceptives and the probability of endometriosis diagnosis later in life By Selma Oransay

Hormonal contraceptives are the first-line medical treatment of endometriosis. If an adolescent has chronic pelvic pain and is an "unresponder" to hormonal therapy, the likelihood of having an "endometriosis diagnosis" is higher. This sign should warn clinicians about endometriosis diagnosis…

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Early diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis in adolescence

 Early diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis in adolescence By Selma Oransay

Dysmenorrhea is widely observed in adolescence, and endometriosis is one of its causes. However, endometriosis diagnosis is usually made after 25 years of age. It is clear that early diagnosis and management of this progressive disease is essential and will…

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Psychological effect of endometriosis due to chronic pelvic pain

Psychological effect of endometriosis due to chronic pelvic pain By Hale Goksever Celik

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, all of which affect the quality of women’s lives. Early diagnosis and management are important as endometriosis impairs the quality of life of patients and creates a…

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New Predictive Model Can Identify Minimal and Mild Endometriosis

New Predictive Model Can Identify Minimal and Mild Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Researchers from China developed a predictive model that can identify minimal and mild endometriosis in infertile women. The paper appeared in the March 2024 issue of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. “This model would assist clinicians in screening infertile…

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The urgent need for research and compassionate care in endometriosis

The urgent need for research and compassionate care in endometriosis By Eylül GÜN

Endometriosis, a common yet little-known inflammatory disorder, has significant patient and public health impacts due to underinvestment in its research and care. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate care persist due to reliance on surgical methods and limited advancements in medical therapies.…

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Asia-Pacific: Expert panel's suggestions for improving endometriosis-related health issues

Asia-Pacific: Expert panel's suggestions for improving endometriosis-related health issues By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

"Endometriosis should be diagnosed as early as possible for the sake of the patients" and the Asia-Pacific Endometriosis Expert Panel sought to address the reasons for diagnostic delays in this part of the world and published a consensus report in…

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Underestimation of Dysmenorrhea in adolescents

Underestimation of Dysmenorrhea in adolescents By Hale Goksever Celik

Women with endometriosis may suffer from painful symptoms, especially during menstruation or sexual intercourse. One of the main etiologic reasons for secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis, and it has a poor impact on life quality. Underestimation of dysmenorrhea and consideration of…

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Healthcare Seeking Behaviour May Be Sign of Endometriosis

Healthcare Seeking Behaviour May Be Sign of Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Women with endometriosis had a higher utilization of primary and secondary healthcare in the 10 years before receiving a diagnosis, found a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction.  “With this knowledge, healthcare professionals could be better at relating…

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The compliance for post-surgical follow-ups after endometriosis surgery

The compliance for post-surgical follow-ups after endometriosis surgery By Selma Oransay

. The patient's adherence to follow-ups after surgery is essential as it is the only way to evaluate the surgery's benefits in improving pain symptoms and recurrences, measuring the quality of life, and fertility outcomes. . Dr. Szabo and his…

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Ultrasound and #Enzian Classification for Endometriosis

Ultrasound and #Enzian Classification for Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

The #Enzian classification can ensure endometriosis is systematically described and classified, which can “greatly facilitates communication between physicians and patients, sonographers and surgeons,” according to an editorial article by Drs. Jörg Keckstein and Markus Hoopmann published in the European Journal of…

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Limitations of current surgical classification systems for endometriosis.

Limitations of current surgical classification systems for endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

Many classification systems for endometriosis have been developed since the 1970s, and in a 2021 review, more than 20 of those systems were identified. The best-known and most frequently used are rASRM (revised  American Society of Reproductive Medicine), the Enzian…

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Headaches Appear Years Before a Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Headaches Appear Years Before a Diagnosis of Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Headache is associated with different forms of migraine, is related to pain, and often appears before diagnosis in women with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online. This knowledge can help ensure women with…

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Autoantibodies Cannot Be Used to Detect Endometriosis Just Yet

Autoantibodies Cannot Be Used to Detect Endometriosis Just Yet By Özge Özkaya

There seems to be no significant difference in the expression of autoantibodies in the plasma or peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and those without the disease. This is according to a new study published in the journal Human Reproduction.…

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Another New Approach Could Help Diagnose deep Infiltrating endometriosis

Another New Approach Could Help Diagnose deep Infiltrating endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Elastography could help distinguish deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) nodules from non-endometriotic tissue at different locations, according to a new study published in Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound. The potential of the technique in improving the diagnosis…

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A self-diagnostic tool that predicts the likelihood of endometriosis

A self-diagnostic tool that predicts the likelihood of endometriosis By Bahar Yuksel

Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are crucial for preventing these negative outcomes, but the disease is often difficult to diagnose due to a lack of specific symptoms and reliable diagnostic tests. Goldstein et al. aimed to develop a machine-learning…

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Serum Galectin-9 : A promising marker for endometriosis diagnosis

Serum Galectin-9 : A promising marker for endometriosis diagnosis By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Jarollahi and colleagues from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran have published their research on serum levels of Galectin-9 as a noninvasive marker for endometriosis in the "Journal of Reproduction & Infertility". Endometriosis imposes a great challenge in the…

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Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain Have a Negative Experience With Doctors

Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain Have a Negative Experience With Doctors By Özge Özkaya

Women with chronic pelvic pain have a negative experience with the healthcare system, according to a study by US researchers published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This is the case regardless of whether or not they have…

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Endometriosis awarness for the Gastroenterologists.

Endometriosis awarness for the Gastroenterologists. By Selma Oransay

Women with endometriosis can develop chronic abdominal pain and/or abnormal bowel habits more than eight times compared to women without endometriosis. For this reason, an undiagnosed patient with endometriosis may be referred to a gastroenterologist and remain in a situation…

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Is the pathogenesis of endometriosis hidden in immune-related gene profiles ?

Is the pathogenesis of endometriosis hidden in immune-related gene profiles ? By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Yanan He and colleagues from the Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University, China  have published their manuscript on potential immune markers in endometriosis in a recent issue of  “Journal of Immunology Research” Pathophysiologic mechanisms involving endometriosis are complicated and have…

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How Can Endometriosis Care Be Improved?

How Can Endometriosis Care Be Improved? By Özge Özkaya

Researchers identified 61 areas for improvement in endometriosis care based on the answers of endometriosis patients. Of these the top five areas of improvement were to train caregivers in order to develop their knowledge about endometriosis, to provide better management…

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Diagnostic criteria for uterosacral ligament involvement in endometriosis.

Diagnostic criteria for uterosacral ligament involvement in endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

Transvaginal ultrasonography is often used to diagnose endometriosis in suspected women due to its high resolution, low cost, and relatively low discomfort. Histologic confirmation of laparoscopically removed specimens is still the gold standard for appropriate diagnosis.  The team led by…

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The "Painful Periods Screening Tool" Could Speed Endometriosis Diagnosis

The By Özge Özkaya

The Painful Periods Screening Tool (PPST) is a useful tool for women with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Sciences. The study's authors said that the tool “ facilitated communication between patients and providers…

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The Delay in Endometriosis Diagnosis Is Huge

The Delay in Endometriosis Diagnosis Is Huge By Özge Özkaya

Eleven years pass on average in Italy for a woman to get diagnosed with endometriosis from when she starts having symptoms. This delay can even be even longer (4 more years) if the symptoms appear before a woman is age 20.…

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TSH receptor antibodies show promising results in the diagnostic workup of endometriosis

TSH receptor antibodies show promising results in the diagnostic workup of endometriosis By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Svensson with collaborators from the Swedish Lund University has published their results on the possible role of TSH receptor antibodies as biomarkers in endometriosis diagnosis in a recent issue of “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology”.…

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Educational Programs Important to Raise Endometriosis Awareness

Educational Programs Important to Raise Endometriosis Awareness By Özge Özkaya

An educational program consisting of lectures and group discussions motivated nursing and medical students to seek medical attention so endometriosis can be detected and managed early, reported a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online. However, this…

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Endometriosis and Body Image

Endometriosis and Body Image By Özge Özkaya

Endometriosis has a negative effect on health-related quality of life and body familiarity according to a new study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research. Based on this finding, the authors of the study recommend that body familiarity should be…

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Endometriosis Prediction by "Machine Learning"

Endometriosis Prediction by By Selma Oransay

To develop a predictive model for endometriosis and to re-assess the contribution of known risk factors, Blass et al. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel used the data of the UK biobank by machine learning-based models. They compared and…

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Transvaginal Ultrasound Could Be Sufficient to Properly Diagnose Deep Endometriosis and Ovarians Endometriomas

Transvaginal Ultrasound Could Be Sufficient to Properly Diagnose Deep Endometriosis and Ovarians Endometriomas By Özge Özkaya

Following the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis consensus can improve the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journalUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. “ (…) at this…

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Endometriosis and IBS Have Different Comorbidities

Endometriosis and IBS Have Different Comorbidities By Özge Özkaya

Comorbidities of endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are different despite several overlapping symptoms, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction. These comorbidities are usually related to the organ systems that are primarily involved in…

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The best method for the diagnosis of endometriosis: SEE and BELIEVE

The best method for the diagnosis of endometriosis: SEE and BELIEVE By Eylül GÜN

Deciding on the best diagnostic procedure for endometriosis patients has been a recent subject of debate. While some clinicians believe non-invasive methods such as imaging and symptom-based treatment should be the choice in the diagnosis, some believe the best method…

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Validity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Deep Pelvic Endometriosis.

Validity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Deep Pelvic Endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

Video laparoscopy has become a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing endometriosis in recent years. In cases associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis, the need for a non-invasive diagnostic method before laparoscopic evaluation paves the way for using MRI.  The use…

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Gluten Intake May Not Have an Effect on Endometriosis

Gluten Intake May Not Have an Effect on Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Carbohydrate quality and certain types of fiber such as total vegetable and cruciferous vegetable fiber seem to be associated with endometriosis in women before menopause, found a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition. According to the study, it…

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Time has come to learn more about endometriosis and take action!

Time has come to learn more about endometriosis and take action! By Eylül GÜN

It has been a long time since endometriosis was defined. Extensive population studies have shown that around 10% of women suffer from this condition. Depending on its severity, it alters the various functions of the body and causes the patients…

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Does the timing of endometriosis diagnosis affect optimal infertility treatment?

Does the timing of endometriosis diagnosis affect optimal infertility treatment? By Selma Oransay

Based on a retrospective population-linked data study in "Human Reproduction", the ESHRE journal club featured a detailed discussion with 50 participants, patients’ representatives, and experts (Paola Vigano´, Mathew Leonardi, Thomas D’Hooghe, Louise Hull), together with the authors of the original article, mainly…

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New Endometriosis Self-Assessment Tool Could Help Women Seek Timely Medical Attention

New Endometriosis Self-Assessment Tool Could Help Women Seek Timely Medical Attention By Özge Özkaya

Researchers from Korea developed a self-assessment tool that may allow women to determine their risk of endometriosis. They described the tool in an article they published in the scientific journal Obstetrics & Gynecology Science. “The devised tool appears valid and…

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Endometriosis-associated infertility: How to manage?

Endometriosis-associated infertility: How to manage? By Hale Goksever Celik

Although the underlying reason for endometriosis has not been fully established, there is an association between endometriosis and infertility. Endometriosis is thought to be involved in 40-50 percent of infertility cases. However, natural conception can still occur even in women…

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Would it be possible to diagnose endometriosis from a vaginal swab?

Would it be possible to diagnose endometriosis from a vaginal swab? By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Ectopic endometrial tissues with new vessel formations in an inflammatory background have a component of mast cell-derived exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 promoting inflammation and angiogenesis. This information is according to the paper published in a recent issue of the journal “BMC Women’s Health”,…

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A new potential therapeutic target in endometriosis: Galectin-3

A new potential therapeutic target in endometriosis: Galectin-3 By Eylül GÜN

The endometrial cells migrate and attach to the peritoneal surface according to the most widely accepted retrograde menstruation theory in endometriosis development. Given that only 10% of women have endometriosis, it is thought that some additional factors contribute to the…

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How do regional differences affect the incidence rates of endometriosis?

How do regional differences affect the incidence rates of endometriosis? By Eylül GÜN

Despite all the ongoing work for endometriosis awareness, it continues to be an underdiagnosed disease. Several different factors are responsible for this. The variations of its symptomatology play a big part as well as the lack of understanding of the…

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Who Is Diagnosing my Endo?

Who Is Diagnosing my Endo? By Özge Özkaya

It is possible to acquire the skills necessary to diagnose endometriosis lesions as well as adenomyosis using three-dimensional rectosonography after a short learning period in an expert radiology center. This is according to a new study by French researchers published…

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Preoperative detailed ultrasound is effective for the prediction of surgical extent.

Preoperative detailed ultrasound is effective for the prediction of surgical extent. By Bahar Yuksel

Endometriosis surgery is like opening the box of pandora when you start the surgery. A preoperative guide is extremely important for the surgeon to draw a road map. In the study conducted by Alessandra Di Giovanni et al, the effectiveness…

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How reliable are the patient questionnaires in predicting endometriosis?

How reliable are the patient questionnaires in predicting endometriosis? By Eylül GÜN

It is well known that the diagnosis of endometriosis is delayed in the majority of patients throughout the world. The burden that this brings has many effects on the patients’ lives as well as the society. The radiological developments in…

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Genetic prediction models for endometriosis diagnosis

Genetic prediction models for endometriosis diagnosis By Bahar Yuksel

There are many studies trying to find a mysterious gene that would solve all the mysteries of endometriosis, yet none have been identified up to now. In the study conducted by She et al, the authors revealed an R system…

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Listening to patients’ complaints is the first step on the way to a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Listening to patients’ complaints is the first step on the way to a diagnosis of endometriosis. By Hale Goksever Celik

Early diagnosis and management of endometriosis are not possible due to the wide spectrum of symptoms and absence of non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Particularly the adolescent population is at risk for the diagnostic delay because pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea are very…

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Non-invasive diagnostic tools for endometriosis revisited

Non-invasive diagnostic tools for endometriosis revisited By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Signorile and associates from the Italian Endometriosis Foundation have published the results of their retrospective study on a large cohort of endometriosis patients in a recent issue of the periodical, In Vivo. Endometriosis lacks precise scientific knowledge and this brings…

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A New Non-Invasive Marker for Endometriosis?

A New Non-Invasive Marker for Endometriosis? By Özge Özkaya

The reactivity of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) with fucose-specific lectins AAL, LCA, and LTA could be a useful diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research. It could also be a clinical…

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Endometriosis: Beyond the naked eye visibility

Endometriosis: Beyond the naked eye visibility By Bahar Yuksel

The gold standard method for endometriosis diagnosis is histopathologic evaluation of the resected lesions. The study conducted by Sara-Michelle Gratton et al. in Canada evaluated the possible effect of developed laparoscopic skills and equipment on the endometriosis diagnosis, and whether…

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A new "survey-based" endometriosis diagnostic tool

A new By Bahar Yuksel

Endometriosis is a disease that is diagnosed years after its appearance which causes life quality impairment to patients. It is crucial for the patient to find out the probability of the presence of endometriosis, for applying to healthcare providers before…

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The added value of transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy for infertile women

The added value of transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy for infertile women By Selma Oransay

The added value of invasive diagnostic laparoscopy has been questioned, postponed by the increased usage of ultrasonography for the evaluation of infertile patients. Gordts et al. from Life Expert Center, Leuven, Belgium have been working on an alternative way called "transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy" to…

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The role of physical examination and interview in Endometriosis Diagnosis

The role of physical examination and interview in Endometriosis Diagnosis By Bahar Yuksel

Today we know that the most accurate diagnosis of endometriosis necessitates surgery and histopathological examination of the excised lesions. However, many women are misdiagnosed due to various symptoms of endometriosis which mystify gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal diseases. Nawrocka-Rutkowska and colleagues…

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The incidence and prevalence of endometriosis in a United States population-based study .

The incidence and prevalence  of endometriosis in a United States population-based study . By Selma Oransay

To define the accurate incidence and prevalence estimates of endometriosis among nonselected cohorts in the USA, Christ et al. from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Washington, Seattle, planned a retrospective cohort study using the electronic KPWA…

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A scoping review proposal for the diagnostic and treatment delay of endometriosis

A scoping review proposal for the diagnostic and treatment delay of endometriosis By Hale Goksever Celik

Women with endometriosis suffer from pain for a prolonged time due to diagnostic and treatment delay which is the most challenging aspect of endometriosis. Cromeens et al, from the USA, published a review entitled “Timing, delays, and pathways to the…

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Exploring a bonafide biomarker to predict endometriosis

Exploring a bonafide biomarker to predict endometriosis By Eylül GÜN

Endometriosis is a complex disease affecting many women in the reproductive age group. As it is important to figure out the mechanisms responsible for the disease, it is also crucial to identify biomarkers that can be used in the diagnosis…

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Is the presence of nerve fibers in the endometrium associated with endometriosis?

Is the presence of nerve fibers in the endometrium associated with endometriosis? By Eylül GÜN

Endometriosis is a common disease in reproductive women and diagnostic imaging have a limited role in its diagnosis. The gold standard diagnostic method remains to be the histopathological examination of the tissue obtained via laparoscopy. One of its most common…

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The Severity of Pain Does not Predict Endometriosis or its Stage, Study Confirms

The Severity of Pain Does not Predict Endometriosis or its Stage, Study Confirms By Özge Özkaya

The intensity of pain a woman experiences could predict whether or not she would undergo laparoscopic surgery. However, it could not predict whether she has endometriosis or in case she did, the severity of her disease. This is according to…

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A pictorial overview of abdominal wall endometriosis

A pictorial overview of abdominal wall endometriosis  By Hale Goksever Celik

Abdominal wall endometriosis is the most frequent location of extrapelvic endometriosis, and defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue between the peritoneum and the skin through the abdominal wall. Although obstetric or gynecologic surgical history is indispensable for the…

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Endometriosis, Fatigue and Productivity

 Endometriosis, Fatigue and Productivity By Ellen Tumimbang

Fatigue is one of the prominent and distressing symptoms of endometriosis-associated with insomnia, depression, pain, occupational stress, and reduced health-related quality of life. Endometriosis-related fatigue causes significant impairments in workplace productivity and daily activities of women with endometriosis. Loss of…

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Endometriosis: Less is better. How to improve the integration between surgical and medical therapy - Errico Zupi, MD

Endometriosis: Less is better. How to improve the integration between surgical and medical therapy - Errico Zupi, MD By Özge Özkaya

In this presentation, Dr. Errico Zupi, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rome talks about the importance of an integrative approach comprising of both medical and surgical interventions to treat endometriosis.  "The first…

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Endometriosis and chronic opioid use

Endometriosis and chronic opioid use By Selma Oransay

The members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have declared that gynecologists prescribe opioids after laparoscopic hysterectomy, or for relieving endometriosis pain, although guidelines are not available for when or how to use opioids for the treatment of endometriosis-associated…

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Adolescent endometriosis: Diagnostic clues?

Adolescent endometriosis: Diagnostic clues? By Irem Onur

The rates of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents showing endometriosis signs on ultrasound are significantly higher compared to those without. This is according to a retrospective observational study recently published in the journal "Fertility and Sterility". The…

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Combination of noninvasive biomarkers in the identification of endometriosis

Combination of noninvasive biomarkers in the identification of endometriosis By Timur Seckin

The combined measurement of urine enolase, serum CA125, and CA19-9 may be an accurate test for the prediction and detection of endometriosis. This is according to a study published in the journal BioMedical Research International. The gold standard for the…

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A new Marker to Detect Endometriosis and Its Severity?

A new Marker to Detect Endometriosis and Its Severity? By Özge Özkaya

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) could be a novel marker that could help diagnose endometriosis as well as to detect its severity. This is according to a new study by researchers in Egypt, published in the scientific journal "BMC Women’s Health".…

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Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in adolescents

Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in adolescents By Irem Onur

The belief that dysmenorrhea, the primary symptom of endometriosis, in adolescents is an inevitable condition seen in menstruation as well as unwillingness to perform diagnostic laparoscopy may cause the delay of diagnosis of endometriosis. This is according to a recent…

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Is Endometriosis More Common Among Women of Certain Race/Ethnicity?

Is Endometriosis More Common Among Women of Certain Race/Ethnicity? By Özge Özkaya

Race/ethnicity seems to have an influence on the prevalence of endometriosis with black women appearing to be less likely to be diagnosed with the disease compared to white women. However, other factors such as access and response to treatment may…

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Endometriosis Diagnosis in White, Black, and Asian Women

Endometriosis Diagnosis in White, Black, and Asian Women By Özge Özkaya

In a commentary published in the "International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology", Drs. Farland and Horne talk about a study by researchers in Canada and the Philippines, which found that black women are less likely, and Asian women are more likely to…

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Case-control study to develop a questionnaire for early diagnosis of endometriosis

Case-control study to develop a questionnaire for early diagnosis of endometriosis By Nadire Duru

Endometriosis, which affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age, is a chronic gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus, associated with several discomforts such as pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, and infertility. Ultrasound evaluation…

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Postmenopausal endometriosis: Is it a rare phenomenon?

Postmenopausal endometriosis: Is it a rare phenomenon? By Hale Goksever Celik

Endometriosis, the estrogen-dependent disease defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal tissue outside the uterine cavity, is generally diagnosed in the reproductive-aged women. However, recent literature proved that this disease can also be observed in the premenopausal and…

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A Routine Pelvic Ultrasound Examination Should Include an Evaluation for Endometriosis

A Routine Pelvic Ultrasound Examination Should Include an Evaluation for Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Routine pelvic ultrasound examination should be extended beyond the uterus and ovaries into the posterior and anterior pelvic compartments, according to Australian doctors.  With such examinations, deep infiltrating endometriosis nodules can be searched, say the authors, allowing women to be…

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All aspects of endometriosis reviewed with focus on modern management

All aspects of endometriosis reviewed with focus on modern management By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Chapron and associates from academic centers in France published in Nature Review Endocrinology, a comprehensive review on endometriosis. The article is inclusive of all aspects of endometriosis but especially focuses on the management of the disease with its contemporary status.  Having a…

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Clinical Evaluation of Endometriosis-Associated Pain

Clinical Evaluation of Endometriosis-Associated Pain By Nadire Duru

Endometriosis has a noteworthy impact on the quality of life of the patients diagnosed with it since it is associated with unpleasant conditions such as endometriosis-associated pain. The diagnosis of endometriosis is not always straightforward because of the varying symptoms…

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Primary care physicians have a crucial role in the early diagnosis of endometriosis

Primary care physicians have a crucial role in the early diagnosis of endometriosis By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Verket and associates from the University of Oslo, Norway, published their cross-sectional anonymous postal questionnaire study in "BMJ open". Diagnosing endometriosis is difficult because dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility are also common among other diseases. The most accurate and reliable diagnosis…

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Integrated bioinformatic analysis for endometriosis diagnosis

Integrated bioinformatic analysis for endometriosis diagnosis By Nadire Duru

Endometriosis is considered as a non-malignant disease, but it is associated with several unfavorable conditions including non‑menstrual pelvic pain and infertility. Surgical resection and hormone suppression are common means of treatments; however, several side-effects and the recurrence are not preventable.…

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Endometriosis and Women’s Tendency Towards Blood Clotting

Endometriosis and Women’s Tendency Towards Blood Clotting By Özge Özkaya

Women with ovarian endometriomas have an abnormally increased tendency toward blood clotting, study shows. Researchers think that this is due to the inflammatory nature of endometriosis. So abnormal coagulation parameters could be used to diagnose endometriosis, however, more detailed studies…

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A review of endometriosis in adolescent girls and young women

A review of endometriosis in adolescent girls and young women By Hale Goksever Celik

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease which is commonly diagnosed in reproductive-aged women. On the other hand, this disease can develop earlier in life due to different etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Especially adolescents who experienced neonatal uterine bleeding are under the risk for…

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Circulating Endometrial Cells

Circulating Endometrial Cells By Yu Yu

Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose because of non-specific symptoms. Currently, there is no biomarker that allows for non-invasive diagnosis of the condition.  Surgical laparoscopy remains the standard for diagnosis. Circulating endometrial cells (CECs) is the lymphovascular spread of endometrial cells.…

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New Protein for Endometriosis Diagnosis

New Protein for Endometriosis Diagnosis By Özge Özkaya

A protein called TIMP3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3) could be used for the diagnosis and prognosis (likely course) of endometriosis.  The early diagnosis of endometriosis is of paramount importance because it can help to diagnosis and thus initiate the right…

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Endometriosis and the quality of life

Endometriosis and the quality of life By Selma Oransay

Recent developments of technics and improvement of skill in the laparoscopic field increased the courage of clinicians to attempt early and multiple diagnostic operations on endometriotic patients. Vanuccini et al. from NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy recently published their…

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How Long Does it Take to Be Diagnosed with Endometriosis?

How Long Does it Take to Be Diagnosed with Endometriosis? By Özge Özkaya

It takes a median of eight years to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis from when the symptoms of the condition first appear confirmed a new British study. Interestingly, it seems that the earlier the symptoms appear, the later the disease…

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Adolescent dysmenorrhea and future endometriosis

Adolescent dysmenorrhea and future endometriosis By Selma Oransay

Dysmenorrhoea is typically classified as primary, or secondary due to underlying pathologies like fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis or uterine anomalies. Generally, long-term dysmenorrhea is present in endometriotic patient's anamnesis, but until recently, the research to clarify this connection remained retrospective. Knox et…

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Which Diagnosis Technique is Better?

Which Diagnosis Technique is Better? By Özge Özkaya

Transvaginal ultrasound provides a more accurate localization of vaginal and recto-vaginal endometriosis compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to a study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. However, MRI has better accuracy in detecting bladder endometriosis…

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MRI or TVS for accurate diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis?

MRI or TVS for accurate diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis? By Demet Candaş Green

Rectosigmoid endometriosis (RE) is seen in about 90% of patients with bowel endometriosis. Rectosigmoid is the region between the rectum and the sigmoid colon, which is a region easily accessed and assessed by two most common noninvasive imaging modalities –…

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Adenomyosis (endometriosis interna): an enigmatic disease that has to be discovered yet

Adenomyosis (endometriosis interna): an enigmatic disease that has to be discovered yet By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Scientists, Drs. Vannuccini and Petraglia from Italy have published an open access comprehensive review of Adenomyosis in "F1000Research" in March 2019 issue. Adenomyosis is a uterine disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are pathologically demonstrated within the myometrium, i.e.…

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PAX8 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of Extragenital Endometriosis

PAX8 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of Extragenital Endometriosis By Serdar Balci

This study is performed by Arakawa T et al., from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, and the results are published in Reproductive Sciences. Endometriosis is seen in many organs including peritoneum, ovaries, bowel, bladder, and even lung. Histopathologic diagnosis may…

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Bowel endometriosis: What you need to know

Bowel endometriosis: What you need to know By Demet Candaş Green

When the endometrial tissue infiltrates the intestinal walls and reaches inside the intestines, this condition is called "bowel endometriosis". It is estimated that between 3.8% and 37% of women with endometriosis are affected by bowel endometriosis. The endometriosis lesions infiltrating…

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Development of Less Invasive Diagnostic Tests for Endometriosis Through Proteomics

Development of Less Invasive Diagnostic Tests for Endometriosis Through Proteomics By Murat Osman

Proteomics is a field which utilizes various methods to carry out large-scale studies of proteins. Due to the inherent nature of the field, proteomics focuses on the identification, localization, and functional analysis of the protein make-up of a given type…

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A Brief Review of Endometriosis

A Brief Review of Endometriosis By Timur Seckin

Endometriosis is a common disease among women of reproductive age. It is more frequently seen among women without prior pregnancies, women with a family history of endometriosis, and women with abnormal menstrual periods. Peiris et al., researchers from the United…

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Endometriosis: A review on anatomic principles and the management

Endometriosis: A review on anatomic principles and the management By Irem Onur

In the study of Alimi et al. which has been published in the journal Cureus, various aspects of endometriosis such as the pathophysiology, the anatomy, the pain mechanism, the perineural spread theory, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and imaging, infertility, unusual cases,…

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Preoperative Staging of Endometriosis: The Value of MRI After Dynamic Transvaginal Ultrasound

Preoperative Staging of Endometriosis: The Value of MRI After Dynamic Transvaginal Ultrasound By Irem Onur

Since endometriosis is a chronic and progressive disease, early diagnosis and proper staging are important for the patient and for the clinician to discuss and plan the required surgical procedures for treatment. Common diagnostic tools for pre-operative staging of deep…

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How to evaluate ureteral endometriosis : A review of the literature

How to evaluate ureteral endometriosis :  A review of the  literature By Selma Oransay

In this recently published review of the literature, Barra et al. from Genova, Italy intend to provide a useful tool to guide physicians in the management of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Authors elected 67 abstracts from Pubmed and Medline in accordance with PRISMA…

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A Better Way to Diagnose Endometriosis?

A Better Way to Diagnose Endometriosis? By Özge Özkaya

Three proteins found in the blood and endometrial tissues could be used to determine the stage of endometriosis and the severity of painful periods according to a study published in the journal Current Medical Science. Evaluating the levels of these…

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How are endometriosis patients managed clinically?

How are endometriosis patients managed clinically? By Irem Onur

This review paper by Falcone and Flyckt, entitled “Clinical Management of Endometriosis” published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology aims to summarize the current strategies for treating endometriosis patients with pain, pelvic dysfunction, and subfertility related to their disease. There are many…

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Detecting endometriosis using peripheral blood

Detecting endometriosis using peripheral blood By Yu Yu

Laparoscopic visualization of endometriotic lesions with histological confirmation is the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis. However, this diagnostic procedure, due to the need for laparoscopy and variability of disease/symptoms, can have a major delay up to 8-10 years…

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Catching Endometriosis Early

Catching Endometriosis Early By Kasthuri Nair

Li et al., a group primarily from Sun Yat-sen University in the People’s Republic of China, recently published an article titled “Endometrium metabolomic profiling reveals potential biomarkers for diagnosis of endometriosis at minimal-mild stages” in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. The…

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A Way to Better Diagnose Colorectal Endometriosis

A Way to Better Diagnose Colorectal Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) can make the assessment of colorectal endometriosis more accurate. This is important because it can help doctors plan the surgery better and inform their patients. In order to evaluate…

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An Unusual Case "Free Floating Omental Endometrioma"

An Unusual Case By Kasthuri Nair

Capaccione et al. published an article in Radiology Case Reports titled “Massive endometrioma presenting with dyspnea and abdominal symptoms.” This publication is centered around a particularly unique case report of a woman who was ultimately diagnosed with endometriosis. The patient…

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The Past, Present, and Future of Diagnosing Endometriosis

The Past, Present, and Future of Diagnosing Endometriosis By Kasthuri Nair

This review titled “Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management” published in Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports examines the distribution and factors associated with endometriosis. The analysis by Parasar, Ozcan, and Terry also delineates potential biomarkers and risk factors that could…

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The Challenging Path to Diagnosis

The Challenging Path to Diagnosis By Kasthuri Nair

Kallia O. Wright, a professor at Illinois College, recently published her essay titled “You have Endometriosis”: Making Menstruation Related Pain Legitimate in a Biomedical World” in Health Communication. This essay delineates the author’s experience with endometriosis. The author started experiencing…

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Skin Endo Diagnosis

Skin Endo Diagnosis By Özge Özkaya

High-frequency ultrasound can be very useful for the early diagnosis of cutaneous endometriosis according to a study published in the journal Skin Research and Technology. The diagnostic tool could be used in patients who have unusual cyclical pain even before…

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Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis.

Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis. By Murat Osman

Endometriosis may affect the pelvic reproductive system, but it can also be found in non-reproductive organs such as the gastrointestinal and urinary tract. The article outlined below discusses the diagnosis and management of genitourinary and gastrointestinal endometriosis. Gastrointestinal endometriosis: The…

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MRI Best at Detecting Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

MRI Best at Detecting Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seems to be a better method in identifying deep infiltrating endometriosis in the intestine compared to two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS), found a study by researchers in Italy and Spain. However, this does not seem to be the…

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How good are the current guidelines on endometriosis? 

How good are the current guidelines on endometriosis?  By Dr. Youngran Park

The endometriosis was first described in 1860, yet the etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Treatment strategies vary significantly between disease severity and the symptoms of pain and/or subfertility. These challenges have resulted in multidirectional research, and the comparability of…

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Do Adolescents and Adults Experience Endometriosis Differently?

Do Adolescents and Adults Experience Endometriosis Differently? By Özge Özkaya

Symptoms of endometriosis seem to be the same between women surgically diagnosed during adolescence and those diagnosed as adults, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For both age groups, pelvic pain was severe,…

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Ectoenzymes as endometriosis biomarkers

Ectoenzymes as endometriosis biomarkers By Yu Yu

The diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed by 7 to 11 years because of the lack of a non-invasive diagnostic test. The ovarian endometriomas occur in about 17%-44% of women with endometriosis and cysts which contain endometrial tissue and fluid…

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Endometriosis early pointers

Endometriosis early pointers By Yu Yu

Endometriosis can take a long time to diagnose, thus associated with prolonged symptoms of pain, subfertility and patient frustration/demoralization. It can be difficult to diagnose clinically because the symptoms are common and non-specific so that GP can misconceive them as…

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Endometriosis Should be Diagnosed Timely and Properly

Endometriosis Should be Diagnosed Timely and Properly By Kasthuri Nair

The pain of endometriosis is often worsened by delayed diagnosis. The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recently published guidelines for the quick and accurate diagnosis of endometriosis. Jacqui Wise discusses these recommendations and their implications in her…

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Overview of NICE Endometriosis Guidelines

Overview of NICE Endometriosis Guidelines By Kasthuri Nair

In this article titled “Diagnosis and management of endometriosis: summary of NICE guidance,” Kuznetsov et al. talk through the recent endometriosis guidelines set forth by The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). The BMJ publication hopes to elucidate…

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Endometriosis and Psychological Health: Butterflies from Deep Wounds

Endometriosis and Psychological Health: Butterflies from Deep Wounds By Kasthuri Nair

Endometriosis is a grueling disease in every sense of the word; however, most of the discussions center on the physical manifestations of the disease. Facchin et al. veer from the beaten path and examine the impact endometriosis have on a…

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Glycodelin and altered endometrial function in endometriosis

Glycodelin and altered endometrial function in endometriosis By Yu Yu

A laparoscopic examination is the only diagnostic tool for endometriosis to date. Since the procedure is invasive, there has been much effort by researchers to develop a biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. To this end, there has been growing…

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"Kissing Round Ligaments" May Be a Sign of Bladder Endometriosis

By Özge Özkaya

Specific laparoscopic findings may help surgeons diagnose bladder endometriosis, a rare and often undiagnosed condition.  Bladder endometriosis is thought to affect only around one percent of patients with endometriosis. However, this could be an underestimation and many cases may go…

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More than Four Years Pass Before Endometriosis is Diagnosed After Symptoms First Appear

More than Four Years Pass Before Endometriosis is Diagnosed After Symptoms First Appear By Özge Özkaya

The average time that passes between the onset of symptoms such as pelvic pain and the diagnosis of endometriosis is 4.4 years on average, according to a study conducted by researchers at the pharmaceutical company Abbvie and published in the…

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