Endometriosis Is More Than a Painful Period. Period

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Endometriosis can lead to an array of symptoms such as pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dyschezia, fatigue, infertility, anxiety, and depression. On average, it takes several years for a patient to obtain an endometriosis diagnosis, because symptoms may be attributed to another condition or the patient’s perception that these symptoms are normal. It is important for nurse practitioners to be mindful of the differing presentations of endometriosis to ensure a timely diagnosis by ordering appropriate diagnostic imaging, management, and referral to an endometriosis specialist.