Endometriosis is without question one of the most puzzling conditions that affect women. More is being learned about it as time goes on and this knowledge is dispelling some of the assumptions of the past which now have been disproven or are suspect. One of these past assumptions was that nonwhite women did not generally get endometriosis. This has now been shown to be untrue. In the past, many nonwhite women often were not receiving the medical care necessary to diagnose endometriosis. Another "myth" about endometriosis was that very young women did not get it - an idea that probably arose because formerly teenagers and younger women endured menstrual pain (often one of the early symptoms) in silence and did not get pelvic exams until the disease progressed to unbearable proportions. It was also believed in the past that endometriosis more often affected well-educated women. Now we know that this notion developed because well-educated women were those getting the best medical care and were more often persistent enough to obtain explanations for their symptoms. Another assumption that has at times been made about endometriosis is that it is not a serious disease because it is not a killer like cancer, for instance. However, anyone who has talked with many women with endometriosis about their actual experiences with the condition soon learns that while some women's lives are relatively unaffected by it, especially in the early stages, too many others have suffered severe pain, emotional stress, have been unable to work or carry on normal activities at times, and have experienced financial and relationship problems because of the disease. Perhaps someday soon we will understand this perplexing disease and be able to end all the myths, pain, and frustrations that sometimes go with it! How the Endometriosis Association Can Help You The Endometriosis Association is a self-help organization of women with endometriosis and others interested in exchanging information about endometriosis, offering mutual support and help to those affected by endometriosis, educating the public and medical community about the disease, and promoting research related to endometriosis. Ending the feeling of being alone, sharing with others who understand what one is going through, counteracting the lack of information and misinformation about endometriosis, and learning from each other are ways those affected by the disease help each other. The Association is an international organization with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA)- members in numerous countries, and chapters and activities concentrated in North America though developing on other continents also. Elected officers guide the Association, with help and suggestions from an advisory board of medical professionals and others. The Association was founded in Milwaukee in 1980 by Mary Lou Ballweg and Carolyn Ketch and was the first group in the world dedicated to helping women with endometriosis. Meetings are held according to the wishes of the local chapter. Usually some are planned to allow informal information-sharing about endometriosis and support and help with problems arising from it. Other meetings offer speakers and presentations on endometriosis,self-helpcare, infertility, medical research, and so on. Literature on endometriosis and related concerns is published regularly. A small library of materials on endometriosis is maintained. And a data registry of individuals' experiences with endometriosis is maintained for research. The data registry is compiled of the detailed answers to a questionnaire about an individual's endometriosis history, treatments and results, and experiences with the disease. Members and subscribers receive a newsletter six times a year, and formal and informal Crisis Call listening/counseling services are available to members who are willing to listen and offer suggestions and help during times of pain, difficult decisions, or other crises due to endometriosis. The Association also conducts research on endometriosis and serves as a clearinghouse for information on endometriosis. Researchers interested in working with the Association data registry (housed at the Medical College of Wisconsin) should write the Research Review Panel, Endometriosis Association, at the headquarters office. Donations to help continue work of the Endometriosis Association are very much needed and appreciated. Contact the Endometriosis Association at : |
Intimate Health Care For Women |
Endometriosis is without question one of the most puzzling conditions that affect women. More is being learned about it as time goes on and this knowledge is dispelling some of the assumptions of the past which now have been disproven or are suspect. One of these past assumptions was that nonwhite women did not generally get endometriosis. This has now been shown to be untrue. In the past, many nonwhite women often were not receiving the medical care necessary to diagnose endometriosis. Another "myth" about endometriosis was that very young women did not get it - an idea that probably arose because formerly teenagers and younger women endured menstrual pain (often one of the early symptoms) in silence and did not get pelvic exams until the disease progressed to unbearable proportions. It was also believed in the past that endometriosis more often affected well-educated women. Now we know that this notion developed because well-educated women were those getting the best medical care and were more often persistent enough to obtain explanations for their symptoms. Another assumption that has at times been made about endometriosis is that it is not a serious disease because it is not a killer like cancer, for instance. However, anyone who has talked with many women with endometriosis about their actual experiences with the condition soon learns that while some women's lives are relatively unaffected by it, especially in the early stages, too many others have suffered severe pain, emotional stress, have been unable to work or carry on normal activities at times, and have experienced financial and relationship problems because of the disease. Perhaps someday soon we will understand this perplexing disease and be able to end all the myths, pain, and frustrations that sometimes go with it! How the Endometriosis Association Can Help You The Endometriosis Association is a self-help organization of women with endometriosis and others interested in exchanging information about endometriosis, offering mutual support and help to those affected by endometriosis, educating the public and medical community about the disease, and promoting research related to endometriosis. Ending the feeling of being alone, sharing with others who understand what one is going through, counteracting the lack of information and misinformation about endometriosis, and learning from each other are ways those affected by the disease help each other. The Association is an international organization with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA)- members in numerous countries, and chapters and activities concentrated in North America though developing on other continents also. Elected officers guide the Association, with help and suggestions from an advisory board of medical professionals and others. The Association was founded in Milwaukee in 1980 by Mary Lou Ballweg and Carolyn Ketch and was the first group in the world dedicated to helping women with endometriosis. Meetings are held according to the wishes of the local chapter. Usually some are planned to allow informal information-sharing about endometriosis and support and help with problems arising from it. Other meetings offer speakers and presentations on endometriosis,self-helpcare, infertility, medical research, and so on. Literature on endometriosis and related concerns is published regularly. A small library of materials on endometriosis is maintained. And a data registry of individuals' experiences with endometriosis is maintained for research. The data registry is compiled of the detailed answers to a questionnaire about an individual's endometriosis history, treatments and results, and experiences with the disease. Members and subscribers receive a newsletter six times a year, and formal and informal Crisis Call listening/counseling services are available to members who are willing to listen and offer suggestions and help during times of pain, difficult decisions, or other crises due to endometriosis. The Association also conducts research on endometriosis and serves as a clearinghouse for information on endometriosis. Researchers interested in working with the Association data registry (housed at the Medical College of Wisconsin) should write the Research Review Panel, Endometriosis Association, at the headquarters office. Donations to help continue work of the Endometriosis Association are very much needed and appreciated. Contact the Endometriosis Association at : |
Endometriosis: Finding The Help You Need |
