 |
|
|
Dr. L. S. Lien has published a book on Endometriosis in Chinese, a first of its kind in this region. The title of the book is "Endometriosis-a puzzling disease". It is a 126-pages book in 16 chapters with photographs and illustrations.
The extracts of the introduction by the President of the Endometriosis Association, International Headquarters, USA, Mary Lou Ballweg is as follows:
"It is my pleasure to greet our Chinese-speaking sisters and colleagues on this occasion of the publication of the first book in Chinese on endometriosis. All over the world there is huge hunger of information on endometriosis. Millions of women and girls are suffering. Until recently, most of the information has been available only in English, although the Endometriosis Association has been able to publish brochures and a few other materials in 14 languages. Thankfully, Dr. Lien has now begun to fill the information gap in Chinese with this book which will help so many women and physicians.
The need for information is even greater in endometriosis than in many diseases. This is because the disease is chronic, and currently without cure; affects girls and women for many decades of life. Moreover, it can greatly affect all that is important in life - one's work, family, fertility, sexuality, and the ability to simply enjoy life. And the extent of myths and misinformation about the disease which prevailed in the past makes it imperative that good information now be brought forth. For instance, we now know that the disease affects women and girls of all races, socio-economic groups, age groups, body types, personality types. Medicine, science, and the work of tens of thousands of women with endometriosis have finally brought these and other facts to light. There were also myths that made women and girls feel they were to blame for the disease - for instance, the myth that the disease was due to delayed childbearing. And, ancient myths and taboos about menstruation, female sexuality, and infertility have created shame and further difficulties. Fortunately, new research, including the Association's breakthrough work showing that endocrine and immune-disrupting toxic chemicals such as dioxin, which act as hormones in the body, helps explain why millions of women all over the world born since World War II now have a disease previously considered rare and previously considered a problem only in the long - industrialized countries.
Since the early days of the Association, we were aware that this disease was affecting women around the world as they reached out to us for help. Though far apart, our experiences bring us very close to each other since endometriosis forges an incredible bond between women with the disease. Across boundaries of geography, language, and culture, we reach out to support each other and to join in common fight. Our strength grows with every country, every person who’s added to our numbers. We are so happy to be working side by side worldwide.
Dr. Lien and the Singapore Endometriosis Association represent so well how the synergy of women with endometriosis, clinicians, and scientists has worked worldwide…….."
The book expelled the various wrong impressions of the disease, explained what endometriosis is, and discussed the causes of the disease. Dr. Lien also discussed the various medical and surgical treatments for this condition. Special chapters were devoted to "laparoscopic surgery" and "Infertility".
Endometriosis is becoming more common in Asia than in the West. It has been reported that the incidence in 51% Asian women compared to 22% in Caucasian women. There is also a growing concern of its effect on infertility (average: 30% to 40% patients with endometriosis are infertile).
The main symptoms are: