Patients’ understanding of endometriosis
More than half of patients (53%), were satisfied with their current
level of knowledge of endometriosis. Almost half of the patient cohort
was unsure of the potential causes of endometriosis (n=25; 46%). Twelve
percent (n=7) felt that it was due to ‘hormones’, 5% (n=3) retrograde
menstruation and another 5% stated endometrial metaplasia as a cause.
Sixteen percent (n=9) attributed genetics as a causal factor. Several
patient responses were unexpected with respect to the cause of
endometriosis. Some of the more notable responses included “my
devil womb”, “it’s the blood from menstruation that doesn’t come
out”, “bad blood”, and “stress in the body” .
There was no association between history of prior treatment for
endometriosis and current satisfaction with knowledge. Again, there was
no association between severity of disease, as rated by patients, and
satisfaction with knowledge.