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.