Endometriosis is a condition where tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer uterine surface. This misplaced tissue can cause pain and complications. This article provides an overview of key statistics on endometriosis, covering its prevalence, symptoms, and impact.
Understanding Endometriosis Prevalence
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder, affecting women globally. Approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women and girls worldwide live with this condition, or about 190 million individuals.
In specific populations, the prevalence can be considerably higher; for instance, among women experiencing chronic pelvic pain or infertility, the frequency can be between 35% and 50%. Studies also indicate regional differences, suggesting a higher prevalence in developing countries compared to developed ones. The global incidence of endometriosis showed a 10.37% increase between 1990 and 2019, with the highest incidence reported in the 20-24 year age group.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Journey
Individuals with endometriosis often experience symptoms such as severe pain during periods (dysmenorrhea), painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and pain during bowel movements or urination. Chronic pelvic pain is a common complaint, reported by up to 70% of those with the condition. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
Despite these clear indicators, diagnosing endometriosis often faces considerable delays. The average diagnostic delay ranges from 6.6 to 6.7 years. Reasons for this delay include the non-specific nature of symptoms, which can mimic other conditions, and the historical reliance on surgical confirmation for a definitive diagnosis. Patients often make multiple doctor visits before receiving an accurate diagnosis, with general practitioners sometimes normalizing symptoms or lacking sufficient knowledge about the condition.
Impact on Daily Life and Fertility
Endometriosis significantly affects daily life and reproductive health. Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility, making it a common cause of difficulty conceiving. The monthly chance of pregnancy for individuals with surgically confirmed endometriosis is considerably lower, ranging from 1% to 10%, compared to 10% to 20% for those without the condition.
Beyond fertility, chronic pain associated with endometriosis impacts quality of life, limiting social activities and work productivity. Studies show high rates of mental health conditions among those with endometriosis; depressive symptoms can range from 9.8% to 98.5%, and anxiety symptoms from 11.5% to 87.5%. The presence of pelvic pain is a significant factor contributing to these psychological burdens, with 67% of endometriosis patients diagnosed with a mental health issue compared to 51.2% of those without the condition.
Factors Influencing Endometriosis
Several factors are linked to a higher risk of developing endometriosis. A family history of the condition, particularly in a mother, sister, or daughter, raises the risk. Hormonal characteristics also play a role, with early menarche (first period before age 11) and short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days) being linked to a higher incidence.
Heavy menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days also increase the risk. While not definitive causes, these statistical correlations highlight observed patterns. Other factors, such as a low body mass index, have also been suggested to increase the odds of diagnosis.
Treatment Effectiveness and Recurrence
Treatment for endometriosis aims to manage symptoms, and various approaches are used. While specific treatments are not detailed, statistics on outcomes show their effectiveness. Surgical success rates in relieving pain are high, with some reports indicating two-thirds of patients experience at least a 75% reduction in symptoms, and over half report more than 90% improvement in pain after excision surgery.
Despite successful initial treatment, recurrence of endometriosis is a notable concern. The cumulative recurrence rates after conservative surgery for ovarian endometrioma have been reported as 15.5% at 60 months (5 years) and 37.6% at 120 months (10 years). Another analysis of 23 studies indicated an average 2-year recurrence rate of 19.1%, with 5-year recurrence rates expected to be in the range of 40% to 50%.