He who knows endometriosis ... | |
Fast facts: Endometriosis. Second edition. Botos Rizk and Hossam Abdalla. Oxford: Health Press, 2003 (131 pp). ISBN 1 903734 20 7. |
What a joy to be asked to review a book on one of the most topical and baffling disorders in gynaecology and to find it presented clearly and succinctly by highly regarded experts in the fields of gynaecology and infertility. Rizk, from the USA, and Abdalla, from the UK, pertinently quote Sir William Osler in their overview: "He who knows endometriosis knows gynaecology." Despite much research and many recent advances in management, endometriosis remains a major threat to the physical and psychological health of millions of women worldwide, especially in developed countries. (In underdeveloped countries it is rare, because women are either pregnant or breastfeeding for most of their reproductive lives, thus seldom menstruating.) This small book is a practical overview of this mysterious disorder, which, the authors estimate, affects over 5 million women in the USA and may be found in up to 25% of women attending infertility clinics in both countries. The "implant" theory (retrograde menstruation) is still considered a likely cause, but other theories are presented. The authors make an impassioned plea for earlier recognition and diagnosis of this complaint. Despite greater public awareness, medical awareness is still sadly lacking, they say, and endometriosis becomes "psychologised" (meaning, I assume, that the woman is often told "It's all in your mind"). Sadly, this is true, as has been my own experience as a gynaecologist in practice for over 40 years. This book would be of great value to general practitioners as well as specialists. I think that lay people would also find it easy to read and informative. The diagrams are excellent and the highlighted "key points" in each chapter are clear and precise. The references are also comprehensive without being exhaustive. This book is a little goldmine and is very good value for money. I will certainly treasure my review copy. Margaret Smith
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