Product Description

Secret Suffering: How Women's Sexual and Pelvic Pain Affects Their Relationships is the first book to explain how pelvic and sexual pain affects the lives of women (and men) and their partners in their own words/ The work also provides information on cutting-edge research and describes the most effective treatment modalities. Susan Bilheimer, coauthor, shares her own experiences as a patient who has gone down the painful, frustrating road of living with an illness that is often dismissed and not taken seriously. Robert J. Echenberg, M.D., coauthor, has treated over 700 women (and some men) with the disorder. He shares his decades of experience and expertise as a gynecologist and specialist in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

Not only does CPP interfere with a woman's physical and mental health, it can wreak havoc in family relationships, ruin careers, and wreck marriages. In the majority of cases, women suffer in silence. Even when they do seek medical help, what they find too often is inadequate care, as most doctors, even gynecological specialists, are not properly trained in recognizing, much less treating, all aspects of CPP.

Through classic, new, and emerging research, with statements from experts and interviews with CPP sufferers and their partners, Secret Suffering exposes and gives strong voice and compassionate understanding to this complex disorder. Most importantly, information on effective treatments for CPP, as well as the depression and other psychological fallout it may cause, are presented. Through Secret Suffering, Bilheimer and Echenberg finally shatter the silence, educate patients, build understanding, and demand that chronic pelvic and genital pain be taken seriously by the medical community.

Customer Reviews (12)

This book covers it all, really goes into the nitty gritty of these disorders!
I have read several books on this subject and this is by far my favorite.As someone that suffers with some of these conditions it was so validating the read the experiences of those with similiar tales and also to read that I am not the only one that has been treated horribly by many in the medical community.This book not only addresses all the physical components of these disorders but the social and emotional aspects.I love the chapter for single women especially as that is what I must deal with.In this sex obsessed society it is very hard not to be jaded and cynical regarding relationships with the opposite sex when you are afflicted with pain at the heart of the matter.Ms. Billheimer and Dr. Echenberg have done such a great service to all of us out here that are suffering in silence with sexuual pain disorders!

Secret Suffering How Women's Sexual and Pelvic Pain Affects Their Relationships
As I began reading Secret Suffering I found myself able to identify with each and every topic.I have been a patient for almost 28 years which I feel qualifies me to say that this book is right on target when it comes to the emotional and physical aspects of chronic pelvic pain. I admit I cried through some of the chapters but, at the same time I felt as if it was speaking to me personally saying "You're not alone" and "You have the right to be heard"! I also loved that the authors explain the differences between male and female's way of problem solving and difference between the way we think.It told me to stop assuming and to start asking my partner how he feels.A huge burden was lifted and I learn the true meaning of intimacy. Secret suffering gives the reader a look into the reality of pelvic pain which can be a bit heart wrenching but at the same time very educational. If you're living in denial, if you're feeling guilty about not being able to have spontaneous sex with your partner, if you feel your family doesn't believe you or doctor is far from compassionate I recommend that you read this book.

Gloria Prater, Patient

Think Twice Before Reading this Book
You may notice that most of my comments here are the same as those I wrote in response to Arielle's review...I wanted to be sure to have my own rating acknowledged as well...

While I commend this book on its short chapter on single women, the general conclusion is that many of the single women have decided not to date. I've read numerous other books that have brought this issue to light, but have also given me at least some glimmer of hope, whereas this book left me feeling like I'd be alone forever. I suggest "The Vulvodynia Survival Guide" by Howard Glazer and Gay Rodke, which includes personal accounts of women who have found understanding partners. "Secret Suffering" upset me so much that I showed it to my sex therapist, a woman prominent in her field, who said that she would not recommend this book to her single clients. She said that the lack of compassion on the part of the male partners is especially disturbing and is not representative of all of the partners of her other pelvic pain clients. In fact, although the actual pain is obviously being experienced by the woman, she encourages couples to think of the pain as a problem they share, not just a female problem.

disappointed
I found this book very depressing. The men in the book showed very little compassion for the women suffering from these disorders. I feel like we live in a misogynistic culture where women are expected to please men, and it's okay in our culture if that means women must suffer excruciating pain.

It is a sad commentary on a lack of empathy in men as a whole. I think there are men who would read this book and be ashamed of the behavior of the males in this book. I certainly hope so anyway.

I cannot understand why this book has gotten so many great reviews.

Yes women feel guilty, but they shouldn't feel this way for something that is not their fault. And that guilt should not lead them to feel pressure to engage in sexual activities that are extremely painful.

It's great that this book has brought this subject "out of the closet".

Now it's time to rethink the stigma that is placed on women with legitimate medical sexual pain. It's time for these disorders to receive the publicity they deserve, so that the general public can understand that not only are these disorders physical conditions, but they affect a substantial part of the female population (18 percent of women are diagnosed with vulvodynia- a condition which makes sex impossible in many cases).

A better book is "Let me Count the Ways" by Marty Klein- a book that discusses alternatives to penetrative sex, so that women and/or men who suffer from pelvic dysfunction do not have to feel guilty or pressured to engage in sexual activities that are impossible, uncomfortable, or extremely painful.

WARNING: If you are single and suffering from pelvic dysfunction, this book will only make you despair and feel more alone.

It is not a comforting book at all.

I read this book and felt horrible afterwards...

Finally someone understands.
I have suffered from chronic pelvic pain for almost 30 years.Even though my family is aware of my health problems, until I read this book, "Secret Suffering", by Dr. Echenberg & Susan Bilheimer, I felt like I was going through this all alone.This book encompasses underlying causes for pain, & treatments that are available, but most important to my healing experience- it gave me faith that there are doctors out there who do believe & want to help us,... & the overwhelming feeling of relief that can only come from sharing experiences of those who suffer like me.If you or someone you know has this type of medical problem, educate yourself, seek treatment, don't give up- & READ THIS BOOK.It MIGHT NOT make the pain go away.... but it WILL make you feel better :-) ... Read more

Product Description
In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing.This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. ... Read more

Product Description
Vaginismus and dyspareunia are common female conditions, affecting lives on many levels and causing physical pain, emotional anguish, and the sense of failure and sexual inadequacy. The shame that is associated with the inability to have vaginal penetrations often forces women into hiding behind a veil of silence.Healthcare professionals share the frustration in encountering a void in available resources and training regarding proper management of these conditions.This book, which includes extensive explanations, real - life stories of patients and partners, and treatment options, should be of great value to sufferers, partners, family members, healthcare professionals and spiritual leaders who will now be able to better understand the nature and management of these conditions.Yes, there is a cure! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

other ways
I have started to research these types of books as I have vestibulodynia. I got over the vaginismus by muddling through. It was 23 years before I was diagnosed, and it seems women in the US have had it worse than me because doctors found out about them and started to make their lives an even worse misery. I live with dyspareunia and I have lots of sex but not intercourse. Stop being a victim, it is doctors doing this to you. Guys love BJs. You can have a great sex life. Try alt.com and meet up with guys who don't want intercourse for whatever reason. There's a better world out there than these endless treatments. libberty@hotmail.co.uk

A Way Forward
The book focuses more on the dyspareunia associated with Vaginismus rather than as a separate pain issue, so I was disappointed as the title suggests the book deals with pain in general. Expensive mistake to make! However, for those who do suffer with Vaginismus this is a good way forward to treatment and possible cure. Didn't help me though, different pain issues.

Treatmentbetter than book
Having read the book and gone through the treatment for vaginismus with Ditza and Ross, I must say that although reading the book will help you to feel that you are not alone in this anymore, you will still need to go through the treatment and believe me it is a though one!!!! I feel sorry for people who do not finish the treatment because although I can understand them ( you will feel like walking out many times during the treatment)they will be missing on a life time chance to get rid of vaginismus once and for all and getting to know two of the most wonderful and caring people I have ever encountered in my entire life who will go out of their way to help you even when it is not job related.
And yes they may call you a wimp and this will be one of the softest words they could use but as to call this method "horrible" ?,get to the end and then judge that !!!
Would anyone argue the "horrible" methods a drug or alcohol therapist uses? or the prices they charge? I don't think so, if it solves the problem you and your partner if you have one or any future one won't care!So if you are thinking about booking the treatment with them I can not advice you enough.
Finish it no matter how hard it is ! remember it's hands on!and be proud of yourself!!!
Well done Ditza & Ross.I love you

Oh by the way, I only gave 4 stars to the book because even do the book is good in the sense that you will feel very emotional about it because it touches something really intimate and deep inside you, I believe their treatment is a million times better!!!!

Broughta sense of peace to my wife and I
This book was just what my wife needed before the holiday.Yes, it is filled with testimonials of patients who have been to WTC, but isn't that just we need to hear...about people who got well.Living with vaginismus and going from doctor to doctor who knows nothing about vaginismus has been devastating to us.We have lived silently with this problem for 8 years.Now we feel as though we "know" people who have suffered as we have.
Right in the beginning the authors let you know this is not a self help book.I read the book at the request of my wife and I am so happy that I did.The chapter dedicated to the partners made me feel I am not alone nor am I the only one who has "stuck it out"!!!!!!This book is not about going to the WTC, but rather about caring, compassion and hope for vaginismus sufferers.
I urge anyone who lives with vaginismus or knows someone who does to read this book.I feel much better knowing I am not alone...as I see it the goal of this book!

200-page ad for WTC
I got "Private Pain" from Amazon.com yesterday and was very excited, until I started reading it. The whole book consists of two things:
- basic information, available for free on the internet
- personal stories, all of which go, "My life was awful, I went to WTC, now my life is perfect"

If you know nothing about vaginismus, I guess you could find the
basic factual information helpful, since it's gathered conveniently in one place. If you've Googled "vaginismus", you won't learn anything new.

And the stories made me feel frankly depressed, because I will never get the kind of money I need to travel to New York and stay there for weeks, never mind paying for the actual treatment. And I got the feeling from the book that WTC is the one and only solution that works. So I am feeling completely hopeless -- and we all know that your feelings about this affect how your body acts, as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Anyway, I am sorry I wasted my money on a 200-page ad for WTC, and I just wanted to warn others. I can't comment on the efficiency of the WTC method, I just feel cheated by the book.
... Read more

Product Description
Abstract: Although painful intercourse can result in great personal conflict and anxiety, only a small minority of women who have dyspareunia raise the issue with their physician. In this article, Drs Canavan and Heckman give simple, practical suggestions that can be used during routine examinations to help patients talk about the subject. Also included is a valuable review of diagnosis and a range of treatment options. Canavan TP, Heckman CD. Dyspareunia in women: breaking the silence is the first step toward treatment. Postgrad Med 2000;108(2):149-66 ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on February 1, 2000. The length of the article is 631 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Interferon Aids Dyspareunia in Vestibulitis Patients.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Author: Barbara Baker
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2000
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 10Issue: 3Page: 36

Article Type: Brief Article, Statistical Data Included

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by International Medical News Group on April 1, 2005. The length of the article is 755 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Genital atrophy common after stopping HT: the dyspareunia many women experience has more to do with introital stenosis than vaginal dryness.(Women's Health)
Author: Michele G. Sullivan
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2005
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 38Issue: 7Page: 14(1)

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Product Description

The “Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders” is a comprehensive two-volume set providing detailed information on mental disorders and conditions, in an easy-to-use format. It includes entries for all 150 disorders classified in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” and also features entries for prescription, alternative and over-the-counter drugs, as well as the various therapies used to treat mental disorders.

Product Description
This up-to-date electronic book on CD-ROM provides the best collection available anywhere of official Federal government information and documents on the subject of female sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia. This CD-ROM uses next-generation search technology that allows complete indexing and makes all files on the disc fully searchable. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material.

This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contents include clinical and medical information, with information on signs, symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

In addition, as a bonus we have included an encyclopedic collection of general medical and health documents – thousands of pages with extensive material from the CDC and NIH on hundreds of diseases and health topics from A to Z, along with FDA drug and medical publications, government consumer healthcare tips, disease prevention programs, dietary guidelines, and travelers’ health information. Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 73 of the best sites for medical information! By using weblinks on the CD-ROM, you can quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government.

This CD-ROM has over 30,000 pages reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software and Reader software is included. Advanced search and indexing features are built into our reproduction, providing a complete full-text index. This enables the user to search all the files on the disk at one time for words or phrases using just one search command! The Acrobat cataloging technology adds enormous value and uncommon functionality to this impressive collection of government documents and material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, comprehensive, and portable!

Our CD-ROMs are privately-compiled collections of official public domain U.S. government files and documents - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed or printed without untold hours of tedious searching and downloading. This book-on-a-disc makes a superb reference work and educational tool for patients and their families, physicians, and other medical professionals. (Information on this CD-ROM is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice; of course, readers are urged to consult with a professional health care provider for any suspected illness.) ... Read more

Product Description
This book will guide you towards understanding and diagnosing the cause of your pain experienced during sexual intercourse. Until you have a firm diagnosis you can not have resolution or cure. ... Read more

Product Description
Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medicalor psychological causes. The symptom is reported almostexclusively by women, although the problem can also occurin men. The causes are often reversible, even when long- standing, but self-perpetuating pain is a factor after theoriginal cause has been removed. It's a common conditionthat affects up to one-fifth of women at some point intheir lives. A medical evaluation of dyspareunia focusesinitially on physical causes, which must be ruled outbefore psychogenic or emotional causes are entertained. Inthe majority of instances of dyspareunia, there is anoriginal physical cause. Extreme forms, in which thewoman's pelvic floor musculature contracts involuntarily,is termed vaginismus. According to DSM-IV, the diagnosis ofdyspareunia is made when the patient complains of recurrentor persistent genital pain before, during, or after sexualintercourse that is not caused exclusively by lack oflubrication or by vaginismus. Clinically, it is oftendifficult to separate dyspareunia from vaginismus, sincevaginismus may occur secondary to a history of dyspareuniaand even mild vaginismus is often accompanied bydyspareunia. ... Read more

Product Description
This up-to-date and comprehensive set of two CD-ROM discs provides a superb collection of official Federal government documents on the subject of female sexual dysfunction (dyspareunia). There are many problems that can keep a woman from enjoying sex. They include* Lack of sexual desire* Inability to become aroused* Lack of orgasm, or sexual climax* Painful intercourseThese problems may have physical or psychological causes. Physical causes may include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders or hormone problems. Some drugs can also affect desire and function. Psychological causes may include work-related stress and anxiety. They may also include depression or concerns about marriage or relationship problems. For some women, the problem results from past sexual trauma.For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, and portable - everything you need to know, from the federal sources you trust. This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the relevant institute for this disease, and others.In addition to the comprehensive disease-specific coverage, this disc set also includes our Medical Encyclopedia, a $19.95 value! The Encyclopedia presents a collection of official documents about a wide range of medical topics, diseases, illnesses, health and wellness. There is vital information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Cancer Institute, and more. Topics covered include: major diseases, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, blood diseases and disorders, lung diseases, and neurological disorders such as dementia and epilepsy * CDC Health Topics A to Z, Foodborne Illnesses, Infants and Children, Injuries, Occupational Health, Older Adults, Women * CDC Travelers' Health - Destinations, Vaccinations, Diseases, Mosquito, Tick, Food, Water, Clinics, Yellow Book, Children, Airplanes, Cruise Ships, Special Needs, Relief Workers * Dietary Guidelines * NIH A to Z from abnormalities to X-rays.Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 67 of the best sites for medical information! Built-in weblinks let you quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2005. The length of the article is 605 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Lasofoxifene: first SERM to reduce dyspareunia.(selective estrogen receptor modulator)
Author: Kate Johnson
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 38Issue: 17Page: 47(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on November 15, 1999. The length of the article is 1197 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Progestin Plus Estrogen Can Improve Dyspareunia In Postmenopausal Women.
Author: Barbara Baker
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 15, 1999
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 29Issue: 22Page: 9

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Product Description
Vaginismus Two-Book Set: Well-illustrated with over 300 pages detailing the professional self-treatment of vaginismus, this comprehensive two book set covers all aspects of successful home treatment in a simple step by step format. Clarifying the mysteries of the PC muscle spasms causing pain at the onset of intercourse, the ten steps detail easy-to-follow exercises to quickly overcome vaginismus in the privacy of your own home. All the information you need; pelvic floor control, how to eliminate pain, resolving emotional components, dilator exercises, sensate focus, transitioning to intercourse, and much more. Successful intercourse is the result. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't Wait, Order The Books AT LEAST!!!
I didn't know what my problem was. All I knew was that something was wrong that was stealing my desire for my husband, and making i/c impossible. It hurt so much, we finally stopped trying. He didn't want to keep hurting me.I looked everywhere for an answer, and no one had anything that helped or fit.

I heard about the website to these books, and checked it out.I got the whole kit - the movie I consider unnecessarry, but the rest of it is great.It's a 10 step program, I'm half way, and it's working great so far!You can take it as slow or fast as you wish, and the success rate is nearly if not 100%!I have a goal to be 100% cured by our 1 year anniversary! Wish me luck, and don't delay, get yours today! ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed., brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 358 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.The third edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depth medical guide features information on medical topics in language accessible to adult laypersons. Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description; causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more. Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes; precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and much more. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Journal of Sex Research, published by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC on January 1, 2009. The length of the article is 6940 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the author: After a long history of privileging psychosexual etiological factors over pain and physiological processes, dyspareunia has enjoyed 1 decade of pointed research focused on the presenting problem of pain. Although it is generally acknowledged that certain affective and cognitive styles may play a role in an individual's experience of pain in general, investigations into these questions specifically as they pertain to pain that occurs during sex are relatively scarce. To add to this growing body of knowledge, 759 women aged 18 to 29 completed questionnaires about current sexual functioning, gynecologic history, expectations about intercourse, and various personality and health-related anxiety measures. One-hundred-one women (14% of the sample) reported pain during intercourse on at least 50% of attempts. This group of women significantly differed from 536 women reporting pain on less than 10% of intercourse attempts on personality constructs related to emotional and relational well-being (e.g., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness), as well as anxiety sensitivity, anxiety related to physical health concerns, and the amplification of somatosensory experiences. This affective and cognitive profile is consistent with previous studies that have found an attentional hypervigilance to health and pain-related information in women with dyspareunia, all of which could prove germane to cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting this disorder.

Citation Details
Title: Negative affect and somatically focused anxiety in young women reporting pain with intercourse.(Report)
Author: Marta Meana
Publication: The Journal of Sex Research (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2009
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Volume: 46Issue: 1Page: 80(9)

Article Type: Report

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Product Description
The article is excerpted fromGale Encyclopedia of Medicine.

Consultthe second edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depthmedical guide for information on more than 1,700 medical topics inlanguage accessible to adult laypersons. Presented in a singlealphabetical sequence, articles range in length from one or twoparagraphs for minor topics, to several pages or more for major topics.Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description;causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more.Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes;precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and muchmore. This second edition includes more than 200 new entries, 300updated entries, approximately 650 color images and illustrations, anda comprehensive subject index. New features include biographical andhistorical sidebars throughout the text.

Disease/disorder articles contain some or all of the following sections:

• Definitions -- brief dictionary-style definition of the disorder
• Descriptions -- overview of the disorder; who gets it and why
• Causes & symptoms -- process, substance or organism thatproduces the condition; any risk factors that increase susceptibilityto the condition; signs and symptoms of the disease
• Diagnosis -- overview of procedures and tests used todiagnose the condition; how the test is done; who should be tested andwhen; time required; cost; whether it's typically covered by insurance
• Treatments -- overview of conventional methods of care ormanagement of the condition, such as drugs, surgeries, physicaltherapy, etc.
• Alternative treatments -- overview of alternative/complementary therapies that may be used to treat the condition
• Prognosis -- probable outcome of the disease
• Preventions -- what actions can be taken to prevent the condition from occurring

Test/treatment articles contain some or all of the following sections:

• Definitions -- brief dictionary-style definition of the test/treatment
• Purposes -- why and when this test/treatment is prescribed
• Precautions -- when this test/treatment should not be prescribed
• Descriptions -- overview of the test/treatment including cost,length of time required, procedures followed, whether typically coveredby insurance
• Preparation -- pre-test treatment procedures, if any
• Aftercare -- post-test treatment procedures, if any
• Risks -- any complications/side effects commonly associated with the test/treatment
• Normal results -- for tests, describes the normal values; for treatments, describes the anticipated outcomes
• Abnormal results -- defines abnormal test values

Published/Released: December 2001

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed., brought to you by Gale®, a part of Cengage Learning, a world leader in e-research and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.The length of the article is 514 words.The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase.You can view it with any web browser.The third edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depth medical guide features information on medical topics in language accessible to adult laypersons. Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description; causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more. Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes; precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and much more. ... Read more

Product Description
The article is excerpted fromGale Encyclopedia of Medicine.

Consultthe second edition of this authoritative, comprehensive, in-depthmedical guide for information on more than 1,700 medical topics inlanguage accessible to adult laypersons. Presented in a singlealphabetical sequence, articles range in length from one or twoparagraphs for minor topics, to several pages or more for major topics.Disease/disorder articles typically cover definition; description;causes and symptoms; diagnosis; treatments; prevention; and more.Test/treatment articles typically cover definition; purposes;precautions; preparation; risks; normal and abnormal results; and muchmore. This second edition includes more than 200 new entries, 300updated entries, approximately 650 color images and illustrations, anda comprehensive subject index. New features include biographical andhistorical sidebars throughout the text.

Disease/disorder articles contain some or all of the following sections:

• Definitions -- brief dictionary-style definition of the disorder
• Descriptions -- overview of the disorder; who gets it and why
• Causes & symptoms -- process, substance or organism thatproduces the condition; any risk factors that increase susceptibilityto the condition; signs and symptoms of the disease
• Diagnosis -- overview of procedures and tests used todiagnose the condition; how the test is done; who should be tested andwhen; time required; cost; whether it's typically covered by insurance
• Treatments -- overview of conventional methods of care ormanagement of the condition, such as drugs, surgeries, physicaltherapy, etc.
• Alternative treatments -- overview of alternative/complementary therapies that may be used to treat the condition
• Prognosis -- probable outcome of the disease
• Preventions -- what actions can be taken to prevent the condition from occurring

Test/treatment articles contain some or all of the following sections:

• Definitions -- brief dictionary-style definition of the test/treatment
• Purposes -- why and when this test/treatment is prescribed
• Precautions -- when this test/treatment should not be prescribed
• Descriptions -- overview of the test/treatment including cost,length of time required, procedures followed, whether typically coveredby insurance
• Preparation -- pre-test treatment procedures, if any
• Aftercare -- post-test treatment procedures, if any
• Risks -- any complications/side effects commonly associated with the test/treatment
• Normal results -- for tests, describes the normal values; for treatments, describes the anticipated outcomes
• Abnormal results -- defines abnormal test values

Published/Released: December 2001