Prevalence and genesis of endometriosis.
A group of 1542 pre-menopausal Caucasian women were assessed prospectively to investigate the prevalence of endometriosis. The women were either having laparoscopy because of infertility (n = 654), undergoing laparoscopic sterilization (n = 598), having laparoscopy because of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain (n = 156) or undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for dysfunctional uterine bleeding (n = 134). Endometriosis was noted more frequently among women being investigated for infertility (21%) than among those undergoing sterilization (6%). Among those being investigated for chronic abdominal pain, the incidence of endometriosis was 15%, while among those undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, it was 25%. In all groups the total duration of combined pill usage was significantly higher in patients who had a normal pelvis compared to those with endometriosis. It is suggested that among susceptible women, both fertile and infertile, a prolonged period of regular spontaneous menstruation may play a causative role in the genesis of endometriosis.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, UK.
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Mahmood
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Templeton
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D044465:White People
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined