Endometriosis and other pelvic pain’ is an easy to read book that explains the facts about endometriosis.

It has the information you need to work with your doctor and find the right treatment for you.

The cases described are based on real women I have cared for with their names and some details changed for privacy.

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 provide basic information: What is endometriosis? Could I have endometriosis? How is endometriosis diagnosed? Even women with a long history of endometriosis will find something new and useful here.

Chapter 4 provides a history of endometriosis management over the last thirty years. Thankfully a lot has changed. Young women will find it interesting and appreciate how treatment has improved, but older women may recognise their own experience.

Chapter 5 describes what a laparoscopy is, how to prepare for one, what it can show and what the risks are. Many women have had a laparoscopy, but few understand what it involves.

Chapter 6 outlines the medicines used to treat endometriosis. It also describes how to use common pain medications effectively, and manage your periods.

Chapter 7 looks at the situations you may be in yourself. Whether you are a teenager with period pain, a woman who has ‘tried everything’, or a woman with endometriosis in the family, there are sections for you.

Chapter 8 answers the questions women often ask at our endometriosis clinic. Will I be able to have children? Will I need a hysterectomy? Will it turn to cancer?

Chapter 9 describes other causes of pelvic pain, what you can do about them and who can help you. You may recognise your own pain from among them. If so it will shorten your path to the right diagnosis and the treatment you need.

A good relationship with the people we choose to care for us is important. Chapter 10 explains how to choose a gynaecologist, what questions to ask and how to prepare for your visit.

In Chapter 11 Jane Marsh, the endometriosis nurse counsellor with whom I work provides coping strategies and practical advice for women and their partners. Treating the whole woman means looking at all the aspects of her life that contribute to her total pain experience.

In Chapter 12 Dr Margaret Taylor, specialist in nutritional and herbal medicine, describes how these treatments relate to endometriosis. There is practical advice on how to balance your hormones and manage premenstrual syndrome.

Twenty years ago, women with pelvic pain were thought to have emotional problems rather than a medical condition. This reflected our lack of knowledge at that time. Looking back, many of these women had undiagnosed endometriosis.

There is more to offer now. Fewer women have undiagnosed pain, and far fewer are told that their pain is normal.