To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed endometriosis (DE) in women in the United States and assess the associated symptomatic burden.
Methods
An online, cross-sectional survey of women aged 18-49 years was conducted from August 6, 2012, through November 14, 2012. Survey data (weighted by age, race, education, income, geographical distribution, and propensity score) were used to estimate the prevalence and symptomatic burden of DE in women in the United States. Weighted logistic regressions were used to assess differences in symptom burden between women with and without endometriosis.
Results
The prevalence of DE was estimated at 6.1% (2,922 of 48,020 women surveyed); 52.7% of women were 18-29 years of age when they were diagnosed with endometriosis. Most (86.2%) women experienced symptoms before diagnosis. More women with (vs. without) DE had menstrual pelvic pain/cramping (52.7 vs. 45.2%), non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping (36.7 vs. 14.3%), infertility (11.6 vs. 3.4%), and dyspareunia (29.5 vs. 13.4%). Women with endometriosis were also more likely to report severe symptoms (OR (95% CI) 2.7 (2.3-3.1) for menstrual pelvic pain/cramping, 2.2 (1.7-2.9) for non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping, and 2.4 (1.8-3.2) for dyspareunia).
Conclusion
The prevalence of DE among US women is notable, and affected women experience a substantial symptom burden.
endometriosis prevalence United States cross-sectional survey, diagnosed endometriosis symptomatic burden US women, endometriosis epidemiology pelvic pain dyspareunia infertility, endometriosis prevalence 6 percent women reproductive age, menstrual pelvic pain cramping endometriosis severity, endometriosis age at diagnosis symptom onset, non-menstrual pelvic pain endometriosis population survey, Fuldeore Soliman endometriosis national estimates, endometriosis symptom burden weighted logistic regression, endometriosis dyspareunia infertility odds ratio
DOI 10.1159/000452660 10.1159/000452660 Fuldeore et al. 2017, Fuldeore 2017
Cite this article
Fuldeore, M. J., & Soliman, A. M. (2017). Prevalence and Symptomatic Burden of Diagnosed Endometriosis in the United States: National Estimates from a Cross-Sectional Survey of 59,411 Women. Gynecologic and obstetric investigation, 82(5), 453-461. https://doi.org/10.1159/000452660
Fuldeore MJ, Soliman AM. Prevalence and Symptomatic Burden of Diagnosed Endometriosis in the United States: National Estimates from a Cross-Sectional Survey of 59,411 Women. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2017;82(5):453-461. doi:10.1159/000452660
Fuldeore, Mahesh J., and Ahmed M. Soliman. "Prevalence and Symptomatic Burden of Diagnosed Endometriosis in the United States: National Estimates from a Cross-Sectional Survey of 59,411 Women." Gynecologic and obstetric investigation, vol. 82, no. 5, 2017, pp. 453-461.
Five to ten percent of women experience period pains that disrupt their lives yet 4 in 5 women believe that their claims for their dysmenorrhea are not taken seriously. Within the process of seeking support and understanding about their pain, they face various barriers that prevent them from finding the answers they deserve. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 women aged 20-28 to discuss their experiences with dysmenorrhea throughout their time since menarche. Using Scheper-Hughes and Lock understanding of the mindful body, this research explores women's experiences of dysmenorrhea through their physical body (relationship with the body and needing control), the social body (cultural concepts and comparisons to others) and the body politic (medicalisation, the medical team and the transvaginal ultrasound). The impact of these aspects of their mindful bodies developed arguments showing how different actors had an impact on preventing them obtaining the patient-centred care they required without resistance. More must be done to honour the experience of pain women have regarding their periods, especially by healthcare professionals. There must be consistency in the way women are approached for their dysmenorrhea to prevent discrepancies of support. This must be done with clearer guidance on what is offered to women with dysmenorrhea, especially in the primary care setting.
Guy M et al., 2022·Progres en urologie : journal de l'Association francaise d'urologie et de la Societe francaise d'urologie·
Open Access
This randomized, crossover, double-blind, controlled trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of a preprogrammed transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device versus placebo (SHAM) in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Forty women suffering from significant dysmenorrhea requiring the use of analgesics and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs self-apply to the abdominal or lumbar region depending on the location of the pain, alternately according to randomization, the TENS device then the SHAM (dummy device) or conversely SHAM then TENS. The primary endpoint compares the evolution of pain intensity before and after application of TENS and SHAM. The speed of action, the persistence of the analgesic effect and the therapeutic savings are also evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) are collected. A statistically and clinically significant decrease in the pain of 53% (P<0.0001) is observed during the first 2 applications of TENS versus no analgesic effect (-5%, P=0.318) with SHAM. Over all 197 applications of TENS, the reduction of menstrual pain intensity by more than half is confirmed. The rapid relief, less than 20 minutes in 74% of cases, lasts on average more than 7 hours. A difference in analgesic consumption of -93% is observed in favor of TENS (P<0.01). Seven participants reported 10 non-serious AEs, 2 of which were possibly related to TENS. The TENS device tested represents a well-tolerated, rapidly and lastingly effective non-pharmacological analgesic solution, capable of replacing or being combined with analgesics in the management of PD.
Itani R et al., 2022·Korean journal of family medicine
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common, disregarded, underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated complaint of both young and adult females. It is characterized by painful cramps in the lower abdomen, which start shortly before or at the onset of menses and which could last for 3 days. In particular, PD negatively impacts the quality of life (QOL) of young females and is the main reason behind their absenteeism from school or work. It is suggested that increased intrauterine secretion of prostaglandins F2α and E2 are responsible for the pelvic pain associated with this disorder. Its associated symptoms are physical and/or psychological. Its physical symptoms include headache, lethargy, sleep disturbances, tender breasts, various body pains, disturbed appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and increased urination, whereas its psychological symptoms include mood disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. While its diagnosis is based on patients' history, symptoms, and physical examination, its treatment aims to improve the QOL through the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal contraceptives, and/or the use of non-pharmacological aids (e.g., topical heat application and exercise). Patients must be monitored to measure their response to treatment, assess their adherence, observe potential side effects, and perform further investigations, if needed.