Clinical Aspects and Quality of Life among Women with Endometriosis in Port Said City

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a common benign gynaecological illness that has negative impact on quality of life, particularly in women of childbearing age. Aim: To assess clinical aspects and quality of life among women with endometriosis in Port Said city. Design: A descriptive study was used. Setting: All gynecology clinics at hospitals and primary health care centers that follow comprehensive health insurance system in Port Said City. Subjects: Purposive sample of 200 women with endometriosis who had been surgically identified were chosen. Tools: Interviewing questionnaire and the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30+5). Results: More than two-thirds of women (62.0%) had pelvic pain. The majority of them (83.0 percent) were infertile. There was a delay in seeking treatment with a mean 5.7±1.6 between the onset of symptoms and the surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. Also, endometriosis has a adverse impact on a woman's quality of life, and there was statistically significant association between endometriosis stages and woman's quality of life in terms of physical, psychological, sexual, educational, and occupational activities. Conclusion: Despite its negative influence on a woman's quality of life in terms of physical, psychological, sexual, educational, and working life, there was a delay in seeking treatment for endometriosis. Recommendations: Women's must be taught how to seek treatment sooner rather than later. In addition, patients will be taught how to manage with chronic pelvic discomfort and how to develop relationships with their partner and friends so that they are supportive in managing with the disease rather than drifting apart due to misconceptions.