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The Doctor Will See You Now: Recognizing and Treating Endometriosis
Endometriosis materializes when the endometrium – the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus – sheds, but does not exit a woman’s body during her period. Instead, it grows outside of the uterus, spreading to organs and nerves in and around the pelvic region. The resulting pain is so physically and emotionally insufferable that it can mercilessly dominate a woman’s life. The average woman with endometriosis is twenty-seven years old before she is diagnosed. It is one of the top three causes of female infertility. The pain it emits can affect a woman’s career, social life, relationships, sexual activity, sleep, and diet. It is incurable, but highly treatable. Unfortunately, though, it is rarely treated in a timely manner, if at all, because of misdiagnoses and/or a lack of education among those in the medical community. This book gives hope to everyone connected to endometriosis. That includes every woman and young girl who has it, and the women and men in their lives – the mothers, fathers, husbands, children, and friends – who know something is wrong, but do not know what it is or what to do about it. This book is written at a level that everyone with ties to this disease can relate to and understand, but it is also for doctors with good intentions who lack the knowledge of how to diagnose or treat it. The Doctor Will See You Now is for women determined to let the world know their stories so that every woman with this disease – from the thirteen-year-old girl who is being told that her pain is “part of becoming a woman” to the woman who has been misdiagnosed for decades – knows she is not alone. Yes, her pain is real. No, she is not crazy. Yes, there is hope.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
119 people are currently reading
1368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 2, 2016
I have one question after reading this book. How the hell is it possible that standard medical training doesn’t routinely include information about endometriosis? It’s 2016, folks! Long past time to ditch the sexist medical models that birthed all that “hysteria” nonsense.
As someone who struggles with endometriosis and associated chronic pain, it is impossible to adequately express the frustration and hopelessness that accompanies being told that your pain is “in your head,” that “there’s nothing wrong with you,” or that “there’s nothing we can do about it anyway.” I understand that our emotions impact our bodies. I’m fully aware that sometimes our brains even create symptoms out of the blue, all by themselves.
But let me tell you this with zero uncertainty: there is a GARGANTUAN difference between a stress headache and the wrecking-ball, whole-body torture that is endometriosis.
And you want to know the worst part? The vast majority of doctors who “treat" endometriosis do so in a way that either ignores or exacerbates the problem. But I guess that’s no big deal, right? I mean, if you really want effective treatment, all you have to do is locate one of the handful of doctors in the country who specialize in excision surgery, schedule an evaluation months in advance, travel to them for a series of appointments over the course of several weeks, pay for it all (surgery included) out of pocket since the vast majority of insurance companies won’t, and cross your fingers you don’t need a second round to ameliorate your symptoms. Piece of cake.
So most of us are left thinking that we’re crazy or broken or weak. We stop talking about our pain (wouldn’t want to sound whiny, now would we?) and plow through the days as best we can, uselessly popping ibuprofen like candy and taking mid-work breathing breaks in the backseat of the car to avoid throwing up in a crowded public restroom or having to explain to our bosses and co-workers why we’ve suddenly fallen into the fetal position on the floor.
Dr. Tamer Seckin, one of said specialists, gets it. And this book of his is an incredible resource that I can’t believe I’ve not heard of until now. One of those ultra-validating, gives-you-goosebumps-its-so-accurate kind of books. Everyone should read it, uterus or no, because even if you don’t struggle with this kind of pain yourself, chances are there’s someone in your life that does, and they need your understanding and support.
As someone who struggles with endometriosis and associated chronic pain, it is impossible to adequately express the frustration and hopelessness that accompanies being told that your pain is “in your head,” that “there’s nothing wrong with you,” or that “there’s nothing we can do about it anyway.” I understand that our emotions impact our bodies. I’m fully aware that sometimes our brains even create symptoms out of the blue, all by themselves.
But let me tell you this with zero uncertainty: there is a GARGANTUAN difference between a stress headache and the wrecking-ball, whole-body torture that is endometriosis.
And you want to know the worst part? The vast majority of doctors who “treat" endometriosis do so in a way that either ignores or exacerbates the problem. But I guess that’s no big deal, right? I mean, if you really want effective treatment, all you have to do is locate one of the handful of doctors in the country who specialize in excision surgery, schedule an evaluation months in advance, travel to them for a series of appointments over the course of several weeks, pay for it all (surgery included) out of pocket since the vast majority of insurance companies won’t, and cross your fingers you don’t need a second round to ameliorate your symptoms. Piece of cake.
So most of us are left thinking that we’re crazy or broken or weak. We stop talking about our pain (wouldn’t want to sound whiny, now would we?) and plow through the days as best we can, uselessly popping ibuprofen like candy and taking mid-work breathing breaks in the backseat of the car to avoid throwing up in a crowded public restroom or having to explain to our bosses and co-workers why we’ve suddenly fallen into the fetal position on the floor.
Dr. Tamer Seckin, one of said specialists, gets it. And this book of his is an incredible resource that I can’t believe I’ve not heard of until now. One of those ultra-validating, gives-you-goosebumps-its-so-accurate kind of books. Everyone should read it, uterus or no, because even if you don’t struggle with this kind of pain yourself, chances are there’s someone in your life that does, and they need your understanding and support.
September 20, 2016
I think this book is a good place to start getting a primer on endometriosis, but I also think that a lot of Dr. Seckin's biases and opinions really show through the work. I have delved into information on endometriosis since being diagnosed, and some things in this book were really at odds with what I've heard and read from other researchers, like heavy periods and migraines being symptoms of endometriosis or the reflux menstruation theory. I know there's a lot about endometriosis that is yet to be understood (and I'm definitely not a doctor like Dr. Seckin is), but he seemed to paint the disease quite liberally with his ideas and experiences without referencing research oftentimes.
That said, this was incredibly validating, and Dr. Seckin seems like a very caring doctor. We absolutely need doctors like that, in endometriosis care and in all facets of medicine. It was nice to hear other women's stories (and also from their partners) about how the disease had affected them. The chapters are all relatively short and kept simple so that they're easy to understand and digest. It would be a great book to give loved ones who want to know more about what endometriosis sufferers go through. I would personally recommend 100 Questions and Answers About Endometriosis by Dr. Redwine before recommending this book, but I think both are good and fill different needs.
That said, this was incredibly validating, and Dr. Seckin seems like a very caring doctor. We absolutely need doctors like that, in endometriosis care and in all facets of medicine. It was nice to hear other women's stories (and also from their partners) about how the disease had affected them. The chapters are all relatively short and kept simple so that they're easy to understand and digest. It would be a great book to give loved ones who want to know more about what endometriosis sufferers go through. I would personally recommend 100 Questions and Answers About Endometriosis by Dr. Redwine before recommending this book, but I think both are good and fill different needs.
June 1, 2016
This book is a must read for anyone who is suffering from Endometriosis! Finally concise information that proves you are not alone and that the pain is not all I your head.
September 28, 2019
2 stars
I have been told to read this book many times for my endometriosis but I generally have used up to date scientific journals and a few more up to date books for my endo reading.
However, I am currently in a desperate position and so I thought I would give it a read.
Here are my problems with the book:
- Retrograde menstruation been dismissed now and is definitely NOT the cause of endometriosis.
- There were too many constant case studies. I wanted information on my illness and how I can treat it well. I want details on what to do when you are 4 surgeries in and still in so much pain you can barely walk. Or help and guidance when it comes to specific surgeries such as incidence rates of receiving an ostomy bag etc. But we didn't get that.
- This book was more something that will get Dr Seckin more patients as he is the name behind the endometriosis book.
- Also why only celebrate the women that continue to work through endometriosis?? This is pretty off putting from a personal standpoint. You never know just how much pain someone is in and so I don't think that only women that work with endo should be celebrated. What about those of us that manage to get out of the house once a week? That manage to make a meal rather than skippingone because we are in too much pain or too nauseous or too fatigued tomake the meal. Where is the celebration of these women?!
Maybe in 2016 this was the best book out there for endometriosis but it certainly isnt now!!! Infact in recent months I have read 2 books that are better and arent even written by endo surgeons.
Things have come a long way in 3 years in endometriosis research and treatment. If you want up to date knowledge, do NOT buy this book.
I have been told to read this book many times for my endometriosis but I generally have used up to date scientific journals and a few more up to date books for my endo reading.
However, I am currently in a desperate position and so I thought I would give it a read.
Here are my problems with the book:
- Retrograde menstruation been dismissed now and is definitely NOT the cause of endometriosis.
- There were too many constant case studies. I wanted information on my illness and how I can treat it well. I want details on what to do when you are 4 surgeries in and still in so much pain you can barely walk. Or help and guidance when it comes to specific surgeries such as incidence rates of receiving an ostomy bag etc. But we didn't get that.
- This book was more something that will get Dr Seckin more patients as he is the name behind the endometriosis book.
- Also why only celebrate the women that continue to work through endometriosis?? This is pretty off putting from a personal standpoint. You never know just how much pain someone is in and so I don't think that only women that work with endo should be celebrated. What about those of us that manage to get out of the house once a week? That manage to make a meal rather than skippingone because we are in too much pain or too nauseous or too fatigued tomake the meal. Where is the celebration of these women?!
Maybe in 2016 this was the best book out there for endometriosis but it certainly isnt now!!! Infact in recent months I have read 2 books that are better and arent even written by endo surgeons.
Things have come a long way in 3 years in endometriosis research and treatment. If you want up to date knowledge, do NOT buy this book.
January 25, 2020
2.5. I think I would have found this book a lot more useful a year ago, when I wasn't sure if I had endometriosis and before all the research I've already done. It is very much a beginner's introduction to endometriosis. There were some good parts, but most often I was frustrated and annoyed.
The good:
- Dr. Seckin validates the pain of endometriosis and how it impacts every part of your life. That's important.
- He is passionate about advocating for awareness, education, and more research. Also important. It's appalling to realize how little endometriosis has been researched, especially when you consider how many people it affects. Even his own book highlighted that there are controversies surrounding the origin and treatment of disease.
- He encourages advocating for yourself as a patient.
- The best part were the chapters explaining excision surgery and why it is THE gold standard treatment for endometriosis.
The bad:
- The majority of the book are stories from his patients, and that's not what I wanted to read. It's vital to realize you are not alone when you have a chronic illness, but that's what my support groups are for. I wanted to know more ABOUT the disease. It was gratifying to see him list so many symptoms, but he only dedicated a couple of paragraphs to them before telling stories. I wanted real scientific facts, delivered in laymen's terms, not hearsay.
- Even while stating that endo can affect everyone differently, he focuses mostly on those with cyclical symptoms. He puts a lot of emphasis on tracking symptoms to see if they occur during your period. What about those of us with chronic symptoms that occur every day? I was troubled to see that left out.
- A lot of the book seemed to be him promoting himself. I get it, it's great that he is an endometriosis/excision specialist. But that's not why I bought the book.
- I was also troubled to see him putting so much value in the theory of "retrograde menstruation" as the etiology of the disease when I've read so many articles discounting this theory. It also doesn't explain the presence of endometriosis in newborns, which I think he mentions as well.
- And what is this nonsense that ultrasounds detect endometriosis every time?
- I hated how he praised his patients for being the "type" of women to push through their pain, never missing a sick day, never complaining, etc etc. How gross to glorify that. Everyone reacts to chronic illnesses and chronic pain differently, but it's harmful to promote a "push through it" attitude, even when he admits that can't be upheld long-term. Of course not!! And nor should anyone be expected to!!! It was a gross over-simplification of how endometriosis and pain affects and limits you.
- I was also annoyed that most of his stories ended with "and then I did surgery and most people never hurt again!" Give me real statistics of the recurrence of endo after excision surgery, otherwise it sounds like, again, you are promoting yourself.
Overall, the bad outweighed the book for me. It's important for books to be written about endometriosis, and I really do hope this one has contributed to more awareness, but as someone with endometriosis and chronic pain from it, it didn't satisfy me.
The good:
- Dr. Seckin validates the pain of endometriosis and how it impacts every part of your life. That's important.
- He is passionate about advocating for awareness, education, and more research. Also important. It's appalling to realize how little endometriosis has been researched, especially when you consider how many people it affects. Even his own book highlighted that there are controversies surrounding the origin and treatment of disease.
- He encourages advocating for yourself as a patient.
- The best part were the chapters explaining excision surgery and why it is THE gold standard treatment for endometriosis.
The bad:
- The majority of the book are stories from his patients, and that's not what I wanted to read. It's vital to realize you are not alone when you have a chronic illness, but that's what my support groups are for. I wanted to know more ABOUT the disease. It was gratifying to see him list so many symptoms, but he only dedicated a couple of paragraphs to them before telling stories. I wanted real scientific facts, delivered in laymen's terms, not hearsay.
- Even while stating that endo can affect everyone differently, he focuses mostly on those with cyclical symptoms. He puts a lot of emphasis on tracking symptoms to see if they occur during your period. What about those of us with chronic symptoms that occur every day? I was troubled to see that left out.
- A lot of the book seemed to be him promoting himself. I get it, it's great that he is an endometriosis/excision specialist. But that's not why I bought the book.
- I was also troubled to see him putting so much value in the theory of "retrograde menstruation" as the etiology of the disease when I've read so many articles discounting this theory. It also doesn't explain the presence of endometriosis in newborns, which I think he mentions as well.
- And what is this nonsense that ultrasounds detect endometriosis every time?
- I hated how he praised his patients for being the "type" of women to push through their pain, never missing a sick day, never complaining, etc etc. How gross to glorify that. Everyone reacts to chronic illnesses and chronic pain differently, but it's harmful to promote a "push through it" attitude, even when he admits that can't be upheld long-term. Of course not!! And nor should anyone be expected to!!! It was a gross over-simplification of how endometriosis and pain affects and limits you.
- I was also annoyed that most of his stories ended with "and then I did surgery and most people never hurt again!" Give me real statistics of the recurrence of endo after excision surgery, otherwise it sounds like, again, you are promoting yourself.
Overall, the bad outweighed the book for me. It's important for books to be written about endometriosis, and I really do hope this one has contributed to more awareness, but as someone with endometriosis and chronic pain from it, it didn't satisfy me.
May 29, 2018
I give it 2 stars because it promotes endometriosis research and education. However, on the whole I abhorred the book. I read it fully through because there is little information out there and this was only 1 of 2 books at our libraries on the subject, but I rolled my eyes so many times I thought they'd stick.
The author is very, very proud, and it shows. My recap to my husband was, "Here's my background story; Padma; I'm a great doctor because; I got an award because; this is why my way is better than all other obgyns; endometriosis fact; sad story about a patient; how I fixed her because I'm so great and the best in the field; why other doctors don't do like I do; Padma (really I know her! and she thinks I'm the best, too); surgery surgery surgery with no other real options; however, here are alternatives, but surgery is the only way; my award; more on why my way is better than other obgyns; this is what I think; sad story, but I fixed her, too, me me me; endometriosis fact; this is what I do and why it's the best way; surgery is your only option."
Also, the printing was a substandard quality. There were a couple of times where the words were so crammed rather than allowing a line break that I could barely read it. Also typos. Right in the 2 page introduction from Padma Lakshi was a typo (you1re instead of you're) and there were several more throughout.
The author is very, very proud, and it shows. My recap to my husband was, "Here's my background story; Padma; I'm a great doctor because; I got an award because; this is why my way is better than all other obgyns; endometriosis fact; sad story about a patient; how I fixed her because I'm so great and the best in the field; why other doctors don't do like I do; Padma (really I know her! and she thinks I'm the best, too); surgery surgery surgery with no other real options; however, here are alternatives, but surgery is the only way; my award; more on why my way is better than other obgyns; this is what I think; sad story, but I fixed her, too, me me me; endometriosis fact; this is what I do and why it's the best way; surgery is your only option."
Also, the printing was a substandard quality. There were a couple of times where the words were so crammed rather than allowing a line break that I could barely read it. Also typos. Right in the 2 page introduction from Padma Lakshi was a typo (you1re instead of you're) and there were several more throughout.
June 10, 2020
I think this book is in really accessible language for patients, and does place incredible importance on excisional surgery that is timely; which is super hard to come by in Canada. So a little stressful, but super informational for patients and family!
April 3, 2023
Although this book is older, and I’m sure there is newer, updated research on endo, it paints a picture of how our medical system fails so many women. Endometriosis is not a required course subject in medical school. So many women go to their primary cares first expressing pain, and so many are told it’s normal or are pointed in a very wrong direction (IE to see a GI specialist or psychologist). I wish I knew about this book when I had an incorrect surgery for this disease in 2015 that caused more damage. But I sit here now recovering from the correct surgery, excision. Was I guided to this surgery from my primary care or another medical professional? No, I found my surgeon from an endo Facebook group. I’m glad this book has validated that I made the right decision to move forward with excision, and I hope this book can at least spread awareness so others can find surgery through the medical profession and not by sleuthing on Facebook.
October 15, 2017
A very informative read about Endometriosis!
Here are some things you should know:
Endometriosis is actually cells that grow on, around, and sometimes in your organs. It causes a women extreme pain and heavy bleeding. It can also cause GI issues! To get it taken out, do NOT get a laser surgery! It causes more scar tissue and hardens the Endo! To have a successful outcome you must have a deep excision surgery! Endometriosis is not a new thing, but it is a newly discovered immune disease! If you think you have Endo, you must go see an Endo specialist!
Here are some things you should know:
Endometriosis is actually cells that grow on, around, and sometimes in your organs. It causes a women extreme pain and heavy bleeding. It can also cause GI issues! To get it taken out, do NOT get a laser surgery! It causes more scar tissue and hardens the Endo! To have a successful outcome you must have a deep excision surgery! Endometriosis is not a new thing, but it is a newly discovered immune disease! If you think you have Endo, you must go see an Endo specialist!
September 20, 2017
I cried at times while reading this. Why do doctors throw pain meds and birth control at us instead of actually trying to fix us? Because this disease is highly misunderstood. I appreciated this book greatly and will continue researching so I can advocate for myself and make informed decisions. We need more educated and specialized doctors like Dr. Seckin.
March 18, 2020
In this book Doctor Seckin explains everythingggg about this disease and answers questions I've had for years despite seeing many "specialists" and reading a bazillion thingies on the internet about endo.
It is evident throughout the whole book that he really cares about women who are suffering from this and wants to help them despite the fact this was not what he saw himself doing as a doctor originally. He saw the horrors and how endo ruins lives and out of the kindness of his heart made it his life mission to figure out how to help these women.
You can really tell he cares. Let me repeat that a few more times.... He CARES. It makes a huge difference when a doctor is actually passionate about helping a patient rather than watching the clock and cutting a paycheck.
Throughout the book he is very honest and open about everything and even admits and explains his own mistakes in the past with this disease. He is blunt about what your options are as a patient and what are the success rates of every type of treatment. There is no sugar coating but there is some hope and thats not something I take for granted at this point.
His passion to help combined with his transparency and genuinity is the best thing I've ever encountered in this field and it's a breeze of fresh air to have someone who understands WTF is happening inside of me explain it to me properly and tell me what I can and cannot do about it.
Before reading this book I felt eternally fucked with this disease but now I feel like I understand where I stand and what I need to do and what my chances are of getting my life back.
Anyone who has endo or is a parent, spouse, relative or friend of someone with endo should read this book.
I wish someone would have given it to me sooner.
It is evident throughout the whole book that he really cares about women who are suffering from this and wants to help them despite the fact this was not what he saw himself doing as a doctor originally. He saw the horrors and how endo ruins lives and out of the kindness of his heart made it his life mission to figure out how to help these women.
You can really tell he cares. Let me repeat that a few more times.... He CARES. It makes a huge difference when a doctor is actually passionate about helping a patient rather than watching the clock and cutting a paycheck.
Throughout the book he is very honest and open about everything and even admits and explains his own mistakes in the past with this disease. He is blunt about what your options are as a patient and what are the success rates of every type of treatment. There is no sugar coating but there is some hope and thats not something I take for granted at this point.
His passion to help combined with his transparency and genuinity is the best thing I've ever encountered in this field and it's a breeze of fresh air to have someone who understands WTF is happening inside of me explain it to me properly and tell me what I can and cannot do about it.
Before reading this book I felt eternally fucked with this disease but now I feel like I understand where I stand and what I need to do and what my chances are of getting my life back.
Anyone who has endo or is a parent, spouse, relative or friend of someone with endo should read this book.
I wish someone would have given it to me sooner.
December 31, 2023
With my Endometriosis excision coming up in a few weeks, I knew that this was a good time to reread this book after nearly 4 years.
There is a lot of support here for Endo sufferers - namely, the fact you are not alone and what you feel is real. These are things you seriously doubt on your journey to diagnosis. Like most of the patients in this book, it has been a long journey and one where I had to battle numerous medical professionals to get them to listen to me, to understand me and to actually look inside me to find the problem. It felt incredibly relieving to read their stories too and know my struggles are a widespread issue, not just an isolated event.
There are a few discrepancies in this book though compared to my research into this disease. Of course, I am not a doctor but there are some opinions that appear to be more outdated. Since it’s publication in 2016, this of course may have changed but I wouldn’t want new Endo warriors to read this and take everything as fact when a few things are a little skewed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
There is a lot of support here for Endo sufferers - namely, the fact you are not alone and what you feel is real. These are things you seriously doubt on your journey to diagnosis. Like most of the patients in this book, it has been a long journey and one where I had to battle numerous medical professionals to get them to listen to me, to understand me and to actually look inside me to find the problem. It felt incredibly relieving to read their stories too and know my struggles are a widespread issue, not just an isolated event.
There are a few discrepancies in this book though compared to my research into this disease. Of course, I am not a doctor but there are some opinions that appear to be more outdated. Since it’s publication in 2016, this of course may have changed but I wouldn’t want new Endo warriors to read this and take everything as fact when a few things are a little skewed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 6, 2019
As a woman with endometriosis, I love the education here and the passion of the EFA. However, it felt to me a lot like fear-mongering and “do had better take care of this as soon as possible and the right way or your life will be horrible.”
There’s very little mention of: everyone woman is different and that’s not much highlighted.
After reading many other books on endo and other gynecological conditions, I was disappointed.
There’s very little mention of: everyone woman is different and that’s not much highlighted.
After reading many other books on endo and other gynecological conditions, I was disappointed.
May 14, 2019
Wow! This is a must read for anyone with Endometriosis!
Want to read
July 6, 2020i’m putting this aside for the time being, only because it’s starting to cause me anxiety. it keeps saying to get tested and treated, but i can’t get the confirmation surgery until after i meet with my gynecologist at the end of this month. i don’t know when we’ll be able to do the confirmation surgery and this book is honestly just making me scared it’s going to get so much worse in that time. i think i’ll pick it back up when i have the confirmation.
October 12, 2020
I have several chronic conditions of which endo is one. Out of all the books I have read about any of them, this one is outstanding. They all explain a fair amount of scientific information, and some do better than others, but this one is written by a physician in such a relatable and clear way that I flew through it and find myself ready now to ask my own doctor a lot more questions about my condition and what we should be doing that we are not.
November 23, 2025
Wow! I learned SO MUCH. I'm going to a new doctor soon here and I'm definitely not going to be gaslit and told "everything is normal" again. This was super informative in an easy to understand way, and learning about how many times you may be shooed away by doctors, not listened to, or misdiagnosed just had me shaking my head. I'm going to get myself help and use the education from this book. Thank you doctor for writing this.
April 29, 2024
As someone who has Endo and has struggled with it for many years now, this was still such a good read to learn from. I feel as if there are more options for me than I knew about prior to which is encouraging. Dr. Seckin seems like a kind doctor whom I'd like to meet one day. I will definitely be passing this along to the women in my life who may be struggling too or are curious to know more.
December 29, 2022
It's probably the first book anyone, who wants to learn what endometriosis is and what should be done about it, should pick up. I would probably reconsider the nutrition part in the book which requires some more research. In any case that should not stop folks from picking up this book.
February 16, 2024
This book is a must read for anyone diagnosed with, exploring diagnosis or a loved one with endometriosis. Eye opening and informative, it taught me so much about the disease in my body and how to support myself and my body on my own and in the doctor’s office.
September 23, 2022
The book is not bad, but states old and incorrect theories about endometriosis. Thus I would suggest people rather read ‘How to endo’ by Bridget Hustwaite, to get am accurate overview on the disease and treatment options as well as management strategies
Hysterectomy does not treat endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation does not cause endometriosis. Both are true because endometriosis cell are SIMILAIR but NOT equal to the cells of the uterine lining the endometrium.
This book might be validating for people in pain. But the information mentioned in the book is NOT up to date with current research and thus I don’t recommend reading this book, unless you want to read a lot of patients stories and how the Dr helped them get back to a semi ‘normal’ life.
Hysterectomy does not treat endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation does not cause endometriosis. Both are true because endometriosis cell are SIMILAIR but NOT equal to the cells of the uterine lining the endometrium.
This book might be validating for people in pain. But the information mentioned in the book is NOT up to date with current research and thus I don’t recommend reading this book, unless you want to read a lot of patients stories and how the Dr helped them get back to a semi ‘normal’ life.
November 13, 2025
Validating and good information. Definitely explains endometriosis in a way thats easy to understand and breaks everything down in to small digestible chapters. However, it was disheartening to see several times where it mentioned "women who had never used a sick day, missed school, etc." That is an unrealistically high bar. So, those of us who have missed school or work because of the disease are less worthy? It just didn't sit right with me and made me feel like I was less than for it affecting my life in that way.
August 29, 2023
*audiobook* This book offers some great insight into endo. If you’re someone who thinks, or knows, you have it, definitely read this book before choosing a doctor / surgeon, I wish I had. The lack of education and knowledge around endo in the medical field is staggering. My main complaint is that I thought the amount of patient stories was overkill, however, a great reminder to keep advocating for yourself to get proper answers. Also, there aren’t really any tips on what to do if you have endo, except get deep excision surgery or continue to be miserable. He does advocate for acupuncture and mentions how that and diet can help manage pain, but ultimately you need the excision surgery.
March 19, 2019
2.5 stars
This was an extremely accessible read. The language and terminology is kept conversational, rather than making you swim through pages of medical jargon, and I soared through it in one sitting of only a matter of hours. I think it’s a valuable starting point sort of resource for endometriosis, whether you’re suffering from the illness itself, or you know someone who is. It does well with validating that all too common experience: doctor after doctor ignoring your symptoms and telling you it’s normal or all in your head, to the point of it taking literal DECADES to get the diagnosis. That validation is nice. It’s comforting, I think, to know that you are not alone and to read testimonies of others who shared your experiences and know what it’s like.
But.
That said, it is terribly and irritatingly written for “women,” and the writing is catered to a cishet reading audience. And frankly, I think this does a disservice to a large portion of those affected by endo who are not, you guessed it, cishet. The literal cover claims it is a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Which it does, but those sorts of blanket statements immediately overlook and ignore the millions who have it who are not women. The book shares several patient stories but they are all cis women. The book uses gendered language: everyone with endo is “she.” “Her.” This just makes it that much more difficult for individuals who do not identify as women to have their symptoms taken seriously, and to get diagnosed, and to access appropriate care.
On that note, there is also a lot of... unchecked privilege, in the assumption that you can get a diagnosis, and immediately find yourself a specialist (as in, one who practices excision surgery) capable of dealing with this disease. I am personally of the mind that undergoing excision surgery is my best First Step. My initial diagnostic surgery was performed in 2016, and was ablation of Stage IV by a regular ob/gyn who was NOT skilled enough to handle my case. Which at the time I didn’t know, but hindsight is always 20/20. But again, finding and getting to a specialist quickly? It just isn’t realistic, for a whole truckload of reasons (mainly geographically and financially). It’s much easier to say “find a better doctor,” than it is to do. But then again, this was written by a doctor and not a patient, so I can’t say I’m surprised. And the sections on alternative treatments are extremely short and generalized, which does a disservice for those who pick up this book hoping for advice or guidance, especially if excision isn’t something they can consider their first option right away, or at all.
So, yeah. A decent, introductory-level resource, but dismally lacking in offering accurate representation and the inclusivity that endometriosis awareness desperately needs.
This was an extremely accessible read. The language and terminology is kept conversational, rather than making you swim through pages of medical jargon, and I soared through it in one sitting of only a matter of hours. I think it’s a valuable starting point sort of resource for endometriosis, whether you’re suffering from the illness itself, or you know someone who is. It does well with validating that all too common experience: doctor after doctor ignoring your symptoms and telling you it’s normal or all in your head, to the point of it taking literal DECADES to get the diagnosis. That validation is nice. It’s comforting, I think, to know that you are not alone and to read testimonies of others who shared your experiences and know what it’s like.
But.
That said, it is terribly and irritatingly written for “women,” and the writing is catered to a cishet reading audience. And frankly, I think this does a disservice to a large portion of those affected by endo who are not, you guessed it, cishet. The literal cover claims it is a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Which it does, but those sorts of blanket statements immediately overlook and ignore the millions who have it who are not women. The book shares several patient stories but they are all cis women. The book uses gendered language: everyone with endo is “she.” “Her.” This just makes it that much more difficult for individuals who do not identify as women to have their symptoms taken seriously, and to get diagnosed, and to access appropriate care.
On that note, there is also a lot of... unchecked privilege, in the assumption that you can get a diagnosis, and immediately find yourself a specialist (as in, one who practices excision surgery) capable of dealing with this disease. I am personally of the mind that undergoing excision surgery is my best First Step. My initial diagnostic surgery was performed in 2016, and was ablation of Stage IV by a regular ob/gyn who was NOT skilled enough to handle my case. Which at the time I didn’t know, but hindsight is always 20/20. But again, finding and getting to a specialist quickly? It just isn’t realistic, for a whole truckload of reasons (mainly geographically and financially). It’s much easier to say “find a better doctor,” than it is to do. But then again, this was written by a doctor and not a patient, so I can’t say I’m surprised. And the sections on alternative treatments are extremely short and generalized, which does a disservice for those who pick up this book hoping for advice or guidance, especially if excision isn’t something they can consider their first option right away, or at all.
So, yeah. A decent, introductory-level resource, but dismally lacking in offering accurate representation and the inclusivity that endometriosis awareness desperately needs.
October 16, 2017
This is the most accurate *description* of endometriosis I have ever read - painfully so. I wish everyone could read this book and have a better understanding of this disease.
The book talks about treatment options - no surprises for the recommendations, and they are spot on - but I do wish it would go a little more in depth on how to decide which is best, and what they entail. For example, diet is listed as a treatment, but the book only contains a perfunctory food list with "bad" foods and "good" foods, but it doesn't describe why the nutrients represented in the good list are helpful. It also does not mention correlating supplements that can help. It says cruciferous vegetables are good, but it doesn't mention that they encourage Diindolylmethane during digestion which helps the body breakdown and metabolize estrogen, and it doesn't mention you can get a DIM supplement that is effective and an alternative to eating broccoli until your tongue falls off. There is nothing on balancing hormones except for "the pill".
Overall, though, the book is one of the best I have read about the topic and I feel like throwing it at some of the doctors in my life who have minimized my pain and suggested that there is nothing wrong.
The book talks about treatment options - no surprises for the recommendations, and they are spot on - but I do wish it would go a little more in depth on how to decide which is best, and what they entail. For example, diet is listed as a treatment, but the book only contains a perfunctory food list with "bad" foods and "good" foods, but it doesn't describe why the nutrients represented in the good list are helpful. It also does not mention correlating supplements that can help. It says cruciferous vegetables are good, but it doesn't mention that they encourage Diindolylmethane during digestion which helps the body breakdown and metabolize estrogen, and it doesn't mention you can get a DIM supplement that is effective and an alternative to eating broccoli until your tongue falls off. There is nothing on balancing hormones except for "the pill".
Overall, though, the book is one of the best I have read about the topic and I feel like throwing it at some of the doctors in my life who have minimized my pain and suggested that there is nothing wrong.
November 24, 2018
I was diagnosed with endometriosis last month, after 8 years of pain and multiple doctors and gynecologists. I found out about Seckin and this book through the Endometriosis Foundation of America. It explains a lot more than the doctor that did my surgery has yet to. The pictures and diagrams are helpful, and everything is explained in very digestible terms. I’d recommend to anyone who thinks or knows that they have endometriosis, and to friends, family, and caregivers of anyone with endo. Seckin explains the pathology, symptoms, impact it can have on ones life, surgery, alternative medical options, and support resources. He also names a lot of endo specialists which lends some authority to the text.
By the end it’s super clear that Seckin is very sure that deep excision surgery is the only way to address the disease, which is a little daunting to read 6-7 weeks after my first laparoscopy. I wish I had read this book before my surgery and when I was younger — maybe I could have felt better a lot faster. It’s a bit useless to think that way now though, so I’m just happy to have it now.
By the end it’s super clear that Seckin is very sure that deep excision surgery is the only way to address the disease, which is a little daunting to read 6-7 weeks after my first laparoscopy. I wish I had read this book before my surgery and when I was younger — maybe I could have felt better a lot faster. It’s a bit useless to think that way now though, so I’m just happy to have it now.
January 7, 2024
I don’t even need to read this book to know the authors have no idea what they’re talking about. I’ve had 3 surgeries for endometriosis, and I’ve learned a lot about it from suffering from it for a decade. However, you can literally google endometriosis, and the first website that pops up will tell you that endometriosis is a tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus, but it is not the same thing. There are many theories to what causes it, but none have been proven and these authors stating a debunked theory as fact is moronic. Please do not waste your time reading a book that can’t even write a description containing a couple paragraphs with accurate information. This is your health at stake.
October 27, 2024
I found this book so triggering and stressful I couldn’t even finish it. I’ve just recently been diagnosed with Endometriosis 90% since you can’t be fully diagnosed without surgery. I do think it had a lot of good information. I did find it kind of weird that the author went on and on about how laparoscopic surgery doesn’t really help Endometriosis and that there’s this special surgery that will almost cure it, but its a rare surgery. Oh wait the doctor author does the surgery. It just seemed like a money grab more than a helping hand towards people with Endo. I would not recommend if you are a new friendo or someone looking for reassurance with the diagnosis.
December 14, 2016
It's a good book for those that are new to the subject or had been recently diagnosed with Endometriosis.
From the perspective of a Holistic Nutritionist I personally found the book to lack information in terms of alternative treatments, there is no 100% cure for endometriosis, but there is LOTS that one can do to improve well-being, reduce symptoms, inflammation and so on with nutrition. I was disappointed to see that in terms of nutrition the book only offered a couple pages with very generalized information.
From the perspective of a Holistic Nutritionist I personally found the book to lack information in terms of alternative treatments, there is no 100% cure for endometriosis, but there is LOTS that one can do to improve well-being, reduce symptoms, inflammation and so on with nutrition. I was disappointed to see that in terms of nutrition the book only offered a couple pages with very generalized information.
May 27, 2019
This book is such a great read. I was told I had endometriosis. I was beginning treatment as i started this book. I ended up dropping my OBGYN and finding a specialist off Nancy’s Nook. Dr. Sekin empowered me to be my own advocate and it saved me time, money and a painful road. I ended up giving the book to my mom, who has been a chemotherapy nurse for more than 30 years. She’s even learning things. He breaks it down so it’s easy to understand.
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