Premium
Prevalence of newly diagnosed endometriosis in women attending the general practitioner
Author(s) -
Ferrero Simone,
Arena Elisa,
Morando Amatore,
Remorgida Valentino
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.03.039
Subject(s) - medicine , endometriosis , infertility , pelvic pain , gynecological examination , obstetrics , radiological weapon , magnetic resonance imaging , gynecology , surgery , radiology , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Objective To investigate the prevalence of newly diagnosed endometriosis in premenopausal women who requested a consultation with their general practitioner because of non‐gynecological problems. Method Participants in the study were invited to complete a questionnaire investigating the presence of pain symptoms and infertility. On the basis of the characteristics of these symptoms, some patients underwent gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound. Radiological examinations were performed when bowel or bladder endometriosis were suspected. Results A total of 1291 women without a previous diagnosis of endometriosis were included in the study. On the basis of the symptoms, 108 women were referred to a gynecologist. After gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound, endometriosis was suspected in 51 women (47.2%). The diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by radiological investigations and/or surgery in 46 patients; the diagnosis of endometriosis was presumed in 2 other women but it was not confirmed by radiological investigations and/or surgery. The prevalence of endometriosis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and/or surgery was 3.6% (46/1291). Conclusion The prevalence of newly diagnosed symptomatic endometriosis in this study was at least 3.6%. A simple evaluation of symptoms (pain and infertility) that can be performed by a general practitioner facilitates the diagnosis of endometriosis.