Endometriosis A guide for girls

Although approximately 10 percent of women with periods suffer from endometriosis, this painful and life-altering disease is still not studied in medical schools. Tamer Seckin, a board-certified gynecologist and author of The Doctor Will See You Now (2016), offers his expertise in this book designed to help teenage girls understand how this could happen or may already be happening to their bodies. In numerous chapters, he explains what endometriosis is, its common symptoms, why doctors often misdiagnose it, the importance of knowing (if possible) one's family history, and ways to treat (and not to treat!) the disease. Following each chapter is a related personal narrative by one of his patients. While these stories begin with tragic mistreatments, such as a woman getting an unnecessary hysterectomy or a teen being put into menopause, they end with hope, empowerment, and positive approaches to managing life with endometriosis. Final chapters address ways that mothers, fathers, friends, teachers, and coaches can support sufferers. An important guide for young women--and yes, men--that belongs in every public and school library.

Gr 7 Up--Though endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, it is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many patients consider the disorder to be a silent epidemic. Seckin, an endometriosis specialist and surgeon in private practice in New York, aims to educate and inform young women whose symptoms may have been dismissed. The book is divided into four major sections: what endometriosis is, who to go to for help, possible treatments, and how to aid friends and loved ones. The author uses honest, straightforward language and explains the reasons why endometriosis can be taboo to discuss and therefore diagnose. Each short chapter is accompanied by a first-person narrative written by one of Seckin's real-life patients. These stirring accounts, though often painful, lend insight into the harrowing experiences these women went through in order to get medical help. While the book discusses symptoms and possible treatments, Seckin is careful to emphasize that each person's body and experience of endometriosis is different. The book's last section provides advice for how people close to endometriosis survivors can support them, and describes the experiences of parents, significant others, and teachers. VERDICT This valuable guide, both informative and moving, promotes endometriosis awareness for young women and those around them.--Kathryn Justus, Renbrook School, West Hartford, CT