Abby Price, treated for endometriosis
Abby is one of 190 million women worldwide with endometriosis.
She suffered through years of painful periods and infertility and experienced misdiagnoses until she sought out a specialist and who was able to correctly diagnose her with endometriosis at The University of Kansas Health System.
The severe pain impacted her daily life, including sleepless nights and missing work.
She had a laparoscopic procedure where the endometriosis was removed. One month later, she found out she was pregnant.
Abby and her baby are healthy now.
She advocates for patients to take their own health into their hands and make sure they get the right diagnosis.

Dr. Austin Findley, gynecologic surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Endometriosis is where the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.
It is challenging to diagnose and affects about 10 percent of women of reproductive age. It does not show up on imaging studies.
A recent study revealed a tenfold increased risk of ovarian cancer in women with severe endometriosis, but this risk remains low overall.
Women who have endometriosis do have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease like heart attack and stroke, probably related to that chronic inflammatory state that occurs within the body.
There is a surgical approach to treating endometriosis which involves identifying and removing lesion within the pelvis and other organs as endometriosis can spread throughout the abdominal cavity.
Abby’s story highlights the need for advocacy and proper medical attention. If you need to seek a second opinion, please do so to get the right diagnosis.


Monday, Oct. 14 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Learn more about how a workout class is empowering people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.