WOMENʼS HEALTH ALERTS

"Assessing the Female Reproductive System," by Lori Klingman (August), is comprehensive, except for one omission: endometriosis, a disease affecting millions of women world-wide. Diagnosis is difficult without laparoscopic examination (endometrial growths may not be palpated during pelvic exam), but known symptoms include infertility, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, painful bowel movements, lower back pain, diarrhea, pain before and during menstruation and during and after sexual activity, or constipation. Symptoms tend to worsen over time, and the associated pain, stress, and fatigue can be extremely debilitating. Contact the Endometriosis Association at 8585 N. 76th Place, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223, or call (800) 992-3636, for more information. Section Description Letters to the editor are welcome. Please include your name, address, and telephone number; If your, letter is published, it may be edited for length and clarity. Send letters by mail to American Journal of Nursing, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 345 Hudson Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10014, Letters may also be faxed to (212) 886-1206 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Karen M. Burke MS, RN Machias, ME