ACOG's new guidelines around endometriosis

Summary In this episode of the Med City Fem Forward Podcast, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Dr. Barbara Levy about the latest clinical guidance on endometriosis from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The conversation highlights a major shift in how endometriosis is diagnosed—from invasive surgical confirmation to a clinical, symptom-based approach centered on listening to patients. Dr. Levy explains the systemic nature of the disease, its widespread impact (affecting ~10% of women), and the historical challenges women have faced due to dismissal and lack of objective diagnostic tools. The episode also explores modern, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the importance of addressing chronic pain holistically, and the urgent need for better medical training and research into root causes. Ultimately, this discussion reframes endometriosis care as a patient-centered, whole-body experience.  Links & Resources Connect with Marissa Plescia [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaplescia/   Keywords Endometriosis women's health chronic pain ACOG guidelines pelvic pain Diagnosis healthcare innovation Gynecology Inflammation Fertility patient-centered care virtual health Visana Health chronic illness medical education pain management OB-GYN holistic care Episode Highlights 00:00–00:28 – Introduction to new endometriosis guidelines and guest 00:00:37–00:01:11 – Dr. Levy's background and overview of Visana Health 00:01:50–00:02:28 – What endometriosis is: a systemic inflammatory condition 00:02:28–00:03:26 – Key shift: diagnosis no longer requires surgery 00:03:26–00:03:54 – Importance of validating women's symptoms 00:04:17–00:04:49 – Prevalence: ~10% of women affected globally 00:04:49–00:05:52 – Historical dismissal and impact on quality of life 00:06:45–00:07:48 – Modern treatment: from diet to hormonal therapy 00:07:48–00:08:42 – Chronic pain, muscle tension, and mind-body connection 00:08:53–00:10:01 – Personalized care approach at Visana Health 00:10:01–00:11:19 – Education gaps in medication usage 00:11:37–00:12:10 – Why diagnosis has been historically difficult 00:13:47–00:15:02 – Need for research into root causes and biomarkers 00:15:52–00:17:28 – Gaps in physician training on chronic pain 00:17:47–00:18:53 – Final message: listening to women is key to better care