Open AccessRecognizing and treating endometriosis
Author(s) -
Tiffany Blamble,
Lisa Dickerson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of physician assistants
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0893-7400
DOI - 10.1097/01.jaa.0000750940.47126.58
Subject(s) - endometriosis , medicine , epidemiology , ectopic pregnancy , uterine cavity , gynecology , endometrium , disease , presentation (obstetrics) , pregnancy , obstetrics , uterus , biology , genetics
Endometriosis, defined as endometrium-like tissue located outside the uterine cavity, is a chronic and frequently painful disease that affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. The ectopic endometrial tissue, which is still hormonally responsive, generates a chronic inflammatory state resulting in an array of sometimes debilitating symptoms as well as subfertility. Despite its prevalence and significant effect on a woman's health and quality of life, receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis often takes years. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for managing endometriosis in women who do not desire pregnancy and in those who do, and includes information on the newest treatment option, the oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist elagolix.