The impact of early diagnosis of endometriosis on quality of life

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2025) 311:1415–1421 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-07999-4 RESEARCH The impact of early diagnosis of endometriosis on quality of life Mania Kaveh1,2 · Maryam Nakhaee Moghadam1 · Mojtaba Safari3 · Shahla Chaichian4 · Abolfazl Mehdizadeh Kashi5 · Mehdi Afshari6 · Kambiz Sadegi7 Received: 31 January 2025 / Accepted: 3 March 2025 / Published online: 6 April 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract Background Endometriosis is one of the most common chronic diseases in women, with a prevalence of up to 10%. The disease particularly affects women of reproductive age. Endometriosis has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the role of early diagnosis of endometriosis on patients’ QoL. Methods In this longitudinal prospective study, 205 women with endometriosis who were referred to the gynecology department of Amir al-Mominin Hospital (Zabol-Iran) in 2021 were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups based on the time of diagnosis, including early diagnosis and late diagnosis. An Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP) questionnaire was used to collect information about QoL before and 18 months after treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSSv.26 software and significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results In both groups with early and late diagnosis, the QoL scores improved without significant difference (p = 0.303). There was a significant difference between lower stages (1 and 2) and higher stages (3 and 4) in terms of treatment effects on patients’ QoL, and higher stages of endometriosis affected patients’ QoL before and after treatment more than lower stages (P values < 0.05). Conclusion Early or late diagnosis of endometriosis doesn’t affect patients’ QoL and patients benefit from treatment regardless of the time of diagnosis. Keywords Diagnosis · Endometriosis · Quality of life · Woman · Public health * Kambiz Sadegi 2 Iranian Scientific Society of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Tehran, Iran Mania Kaveh 3 School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Maryam Nakhaee Moghadam 4 Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mojtaba Safari 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Endometriosis Research Center, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 6 Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran 7 Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Amir Al Momenin Hospital, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Shahla Chaichian Abolfazl Mehdizadeh Kashi Mehdi Afshari 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Amir Al Momenin Hospital, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Vol.:(0123456789) 1416 What does this study add to the clinical work This study demonstrates that while the timing of endometriosis diagnosis (early vs. late) does not significantly impact quality of life (QoL), treatment effectively improves QoL regardless of diagnosis timing. Timely treatment remains the key to enhancing QoL and minimizing the long-term burden of endo. Patients with advanced-stage (stages 3 and 4) endometriosis experienced a greater impact on QoL compared to those with earlier stages (1 and 2). Treatment led to notable QoL improvements, but the severity of the disease played a crucial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2025) 311:1415–1421 surgical intervention and endometriosis resection. While the efficacy of surgery in achieving a cure is limited, it has been demonstrated to alleviate pain and enhance the patient's quality of life [9]. Early diagnosis has been demonstrated to positively impact quality of life and alleviate pain symptoms. In their seminal study, Brawn et al. posited that timely diagnosis of endometriosis may serve to mitigate the risk of chronic pain in affected patients [10]. The extant data regarding the effects of the time of diagnosis (early or late) on a patient's quality of life (QoL) and pain are limited [11]. The present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of early diagnosis on quality of life (QoL) and pain in patients diagnosed with endometriosis. Methods Introduction Endometriosis is a chronic and complex disease that is recognized as one of the most prevalent gynecological conditions worldwide. It is associated with infertility and chronic pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation and intercourse. The impact of endometriosis on the quality of life of affected individuals and their families is multifaceted [1, 2]. Endometriosis, a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, is associated with infertility in women, potentially impacting their marital and psychological well-being. The discomfort associated with chronic pelvic pain can hinder daily activities and even interfere with sexual intimacy.A significant aspect of this condition is its economic and financial impact, which is a crucial consideration. The financial burden of treating and managing endometriosis is comparable to that of other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. This impact extends beyond the individual, affecting not only women but also their families [3–5]. The prevalence of endometriosis among women experiencing pelvic pain and during the reproductive period has been documented to range from 10 to 15%. Moreover, among women grappling with chronic pelvic pain or menstrual discomfort, the prevalence of endometriosis escalates to approximately 70% [6]. Vercellini et al. reported that the mean annual cost per patient for healthcare and loss of productivity for patients with endometriosis was approximately €10,000 [7]. The assessment of quality of life (QoL) is a critical component of treatment selection, as the chosen treatment can significantly impact patients' social, physical, and mental well-being [8]. The primary treatment modality entails In this longitudinal prospective study, patients referred to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic at Amir al-Mominin Hospital in Zabol, Iran, in 2023 were assessed. The inclusion criteria for the present study included the following: women with a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis confirmed by clinical methods, ultrasound, or laparoscopy; aged between 15 and 54 years at the time of study entry; experiencing symptoms related to endometriosis, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), or infertility; and no history of other chronic pelvic diseases such as pel inflammatory disease (PID) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that could have symptoms similar to endometriosis, willingness to participate in the study and complete the writt (...truncated)