Kristin Sinning, Jerome L Yaklic and Steven R Lindheim
Diagnosing of Endometriosis: Needed Improvements in the Making
According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, there are nearly 176 million adult and adolescent females worldwide with endometriosis, and it is estimated that the associated healthcare costs exceed $20 billion annually. Approximately 10% of reproductive age women suffer from this disease, and there are significant impacts on their physical and mental well-being. Symptoms include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal/ intestinal symptoms, and dyspareunia. Furthermore, up to 50% of female infertility has been associated with endometriosis.