Abstract
Endometriosis, the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, is a
chronic, disabling disease of uncertain etiology, with nonspecific signs and symptoms.
Patients often experience chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility,
as well as psychosocial stressors. Probable diagnosis may be based on clinical findings;
however, laparoscopic surgery is required for definitive diagnosis. Therefore, considerable
time may pass before the disease is recognized. This article discusses etiology, clinical
presentation, and treatment and reviews typical factors in cases of delayed diagnosis.
With a greater understanding of endometriosis, nurse practitioners will be equipped
to identify symptoms and diagnose, manage, and refer patients.
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American College of Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
