The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients: A survey of 1,089 UK patients

Abstract

Background: The impact of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients is under-researched. Endometriosis has significant psychosocial effects on patients. Moreover, the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is elective surgery, impacted as a result of healthcare strain. Objective: To better understand the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients Materials and Methods: An online survey sent to adult UK endometriosis patients between 27th August and 15th September 2021. The study received HRA and HCRW research ethic committee approval. Main outcome measures: Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis symptoms and surgery Results: We received 1,089 survey responses. Respondents had a median age of 34, and 82.0% of respondents were white British. 18.8% of respondents reported a previous positive Covid-19 PCR test. 84.6% of patients had been double vaccinated at time of response. 20 patients reported Covid-related hospital admission, with 1 requiring intubation. Large numbers of patients (31.4-55.2%) reported worsening of endometriosis symptoms during the pandemic. 69.2% of respondents reported worsening of associated mental health symptoms. Whilst 44% of respondents had elective endometriosis surgery planned, the majority of operations were disrupted, and 18.7% of total respondents did not have a new surgery date. Conclusions: More research and support are needed for endometriosis patients as they wait longer for surgery. A holistic approach, encompassing mental health needs, may be particularly beneficial for patients. What is new? This is the first survey examining the effects of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients including data beyond January 2021.