Treating Women with Endometriosis-Associated Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Study Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in unforeseen ways, particularly healthcare. This study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women with endometriosis-associated pain, including its influence on quality of life, healthcare access, and pain symptoms. Design This is a cross-sectional study using an online, anonymous 30-question survey. Women were invited to participate via e-mail or invitations posted on the Facebook page for MyEndometriosisTeam (a social network support group for women living with the disease) between December 9, 2020, to January 31, 2021. Setting United States (US). Patients or Participants 155 women with a self-reported history of endometriosis, 21yrs or older, living in the US completed the survey. Interventions None. This was an observational study. Measurements and Main Results Most women (76%) were 30-49 years old, 51% had daily pain symptoms, 25% experiencing pain a few times a week. Of a separate group of women who reported that that their endometriosis-associated pain worsened since the beginning of the pandemic (52%), the most common triggers for worsening pain were stress (80%), fatigue (74%), depression/anxiety (71%), financial concerns (45%), inability to undergo surgery (40%) and inability to exercise (38%). More than a third of women conveyed (38%) challenges with obtaining prescription medications and scheduling surgeries. Of the 17% for whom surgery was postponed, 50% of the women reported this as indefinite. Women's concerns about their endometriosis in relation to COVID-19 included whether it makes COVID-19 symptoms worst (53%), whether they are at a greater risk of acquiring COVID-19 (44%), and whether it is safe to visit a doctor/hospital (28%). Only 32% spoke with their doctor about treating their pain and 35% had no interaction with their doctor during the pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multifaceted impact on women with endometriosis, from worsened endometriosis-associated pain due to stress and reduced quality of life, challenges with prescriptions/surgeries, and financial concerns.