Women report chronic pelvic pain not taken seriously, su...( SEATTLE October 14 2002--A majority o...),Health

SEATTLE, October 14, 2002--A majority of women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain have been told that their pain is "normal" or even exaggerated despite their own perception of it as severe and debilitating. Ironically, these comments are coming from the people they rely on most for support--their physicians, families and friends--according to a survey conducted by the Endometriosis Association and released here at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

The survey found that 40 percent of women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis or the formation of post-surgical scar tissue have been told they exaggerate their pain. More than half (52%) were told this by their Obstetrician/Gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) and 43 percent by a friend or family member. Nearly 60 percent of these women have been told that their pain is normal. Of these, 56 percent were told this by their Ob/Gyn and 29 percent by family or friends.

"The results of this survey are concerning given the impact pelvic pain can have on a woman's life," said Mary Lou Ballweg, president and executive director of the Endometriosis Association, who announced the data. "On a regular basis, we see women completely alter their lives because of the debilitating effects of pelvic pain. The frustrating part is that it often takes years for women to receive a diagnosis, and by then, many are unable to work or fully participate in normal activities."

In fact, 43 percent of women surveyed describe their pain as constant. More than half describe the intensity of pain as severe to unbearable (26% say it's severe, 18% say very severe, and 9% say unbearable). At this level of pain, it's not surprising that more than 80 percent say they have been unable to work at times due to pelvic pain, and 45 percent say they have been debilitated for two-to-three days or longer each month.

"Chronic pelvic pain accounts for 12 percent of hysterec
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Contact: Amy Towery
amy.towery@ogilvypr.com
212-880-5343
Ogilvy Public Relations
14-Oct-2002

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