Women’s health is complex and conditions affecting women can be multi factorial. Endometriosis is estimated to affect 1.5 million women in the UK, a prevalence comparable to the number of women with diabetes. However, under-recognition, poor understanding, and delayed treatment of the condition leave many women feeling unsupported. These are the 3 simple pieces of advice that could help healthcare professionals in health discussions about endometriosis.

Advice #1: Suspect endometriosis in women (including young women aged 17 and under) presenting with 1 or more of the following symptoms or signs:

• chronic pelvic pain

• period-related pain (dysmenorrhoea) affecting daily activities and quality of life

• deep pain during or after sexual intercourse

• period-related or cyclical gastrointestinal symptoms, in particular, painful bowel movements

• period-related or cyclical urinary symptoms, in particular, blood in the urine or pain passing urine

Advice #2: Ask patients to keep a diary of all cyclical symptoms, including:

dysmenorrhoea, dysuria, and dyschezia, it is a useful tool that can help with both diagnosis and assessment of treatment outcomes, and is recommended by both NICE and the PCWHF as a measure to aid healthcare discussions.

Advice #3: Discuss Analgesia and Hormonal Treatments at an Early Stage, and Consider Imminent Fertility Requirements.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women. More research is needed, more innovative approaches to engaging with patients is needed. I hope anyone reading this (patients or healthcare professionals) found it useful. Please share your thoughts in comments. Here is a link to the more in depth Medscape article with more information and references.