Self-management strategies to consider to combat endometriosis symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The care of patients with endometriosis has been complicated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Medical and allied healthcare appointments and surgeries are being temporarily postponed. Mandatory self-isolation has created new obstacles for individuals with endometriosis seeking pain relief and improvement in their quality of life. Anxieties may be heightened by concerns over whether endometriosis may be an underlying condition that could predispose to severe COVID-19 infection and what constitutes an appropriate indication for presentation for urgent treatment in the epidemic. Furthermore, the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 can impose negative psychological effects, which patients with endometriosis may be more prone to already. In combination with medical therapies, or as an alternative, we encourage patients to consider self-management strategies to combat endometriosis symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. These self-management strategies are divided into problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies, with the former aiming to change the environment to alleviate pain, and the latter address the psychology of living with endometriosis. We put forward this guidance, which is based on evidence and expert opinion, for healthcare providers to utilize during their consultations with patients via telephone or video. Patients may also independently use this article as an educational resource. The strategies discussed are not exclusively restricted to consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most have been researched before this period of time and all will continue to be a part of the biopsychological approach to endometriosis long after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Intolerance of COVID-19-Related Uncertainty and Negative Emotions among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model of Risk Perception, Social Exclusion and Perceived Efficacy

“…Finally, improving adolescents’ response effectiveness and self-efficacy through intervention is also an effective way to buffer the adverse effects of COVID-19 IU. In particular, at the individual level, self-management and self-care strategies (e.g., problem solving, seeking information, acceptance, seeking support, and planning) could enhance their feelings of control and reduce their negative emotions in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic [ 81 ]. At the social level, the government should promote a positive anti-epidemic message, dispel rumors and provide adequate medical materials to enhance positive emotions among adolescents and, thus, improve self-efficacy in defeating the epidemic [ 34 ].…”

Predictors of Psychological Distress in Women with Endometriosis: The Role of Multimorbidity, Body Image, and Self-Criticism

“…This constant self-judgement may promote more feelings of failure and of the need to escape and thus perpetuates the vicious cycle of body shame and self-criticism [ 22 ]. Lastly, while COVID-19 has been found to associate with a notable increase in psychological distress worldwide [ 51 ], women with endometriosis suffered additional distress [ 52 ]. The mandatory self-isolation may have imposed negative psychological effects, which patients with endometriosis are more prone to.…”

Prospects for the Treatment of Endometriosis: The Effect of Immune Peptides on the Reactivation of Immune Surveillance over Ectopic Endometrial Cells

“…Despite the undoubted importance of determining markers of systemic changes in immunity, it is believed that the main role in the pathogenesis of external forms of GE is still the local interaction of the components of the immune system and pathologically altered cells, therefore, the activity of local factors, in particular macrophages of the peritoneal fluid, is of particular importance. Regression or progression of foci of external GE is caused by the interaction of macrophages with stromal endometrial cells with subsequent synthesis of cytokines (interleukins, growth factors, interferons), which cause death or, conversely, increased proliferation of these cells [9][10][11][12][13]. [8].…”