Endometriosis and Gastrointestinal symptoms By Iris Kerin Orbuch, M.D.

Did you know that Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are as common as gynecological symptoms in women with endometriosis? Over 90% of women diagnosed with endometriosis initially present with GI symptoms. Bloating is the most common presenting symptom, and is typically reported by 83% of women with endometriosis. In addition to bloating, other GI symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, painful bowel movements, nausea, and/or vomiting, are also common in women with endometriosis. It is interesting to note that GI symptoms are often independent of location of endometriosis lesions in relation to the bowel. This means that you can have GI symptoms without endometriosis actually infiltrating into the bowel. In other words, your endometriosis lesion(s) may be close to your bowel but not necessarily be on your bowel. It is nonetheless important to remember that for some women, endometriosis can infiltrate the bowel, distort intestinal anatomy, or alter normal bowel physiology, which can lead to constipation, bloating, painful bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. ( READ MORE )

The Woman at the End of the Speculum By Dr. Linda Bradley

Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery represents a historic advance in medicine and surgery, achieving a 50% reduction in hospital-acquired infection rates and decreasing hospital readmissions and wound infections by 65%. Patients, however, don’t judge us only by these statistics or for our clinical excellence. Patients judge us by how we greet them, how we listen, and whether we respect and preserve their dignity. ( READ MORE )