Endometriosis affects millions of people worldwide, yet it is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Dr. Sarah Prager, a UW Medicine OB-GYN, discusses the condition and how new diagnosis and treatment guidance will help patients get care sooner.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This migration can lead to inflammation, pain, bleeding and scarring.
“It's not going to be diagnosed initially when people start menstruating because it's usually not symptomatic right then,” Prager said. “I think other patients don't understand that even though ultrasound is quite helpful with the diagnosis, it's not 100%, and that it is appropriate to use simple medications like hormonal contraceptives to manage this,” she said.
For news organizations: Download broadcast-quality video resources and downloadable soundbites with Prager. Read the related Q&A.
