Management of endometriosis in general practice: the pathway to diagnosis.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of endometriosis is estimated to be around 10%. Diagnosis is through visualisation of the lesions, mostly via laparoscopy. Studies reveal that there is an average delay in the diagnosis of endometriosis of between 8 and 12 years. Little is known about the reasons for delays in diagnosis women's experiences of primary care prior to diagnosis.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate women's experiences of endometriosis from first presentation to diagnosis.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of data collected from primary care records in four general practices.


METHODS
General practice in south-east England.


METHODS
Women with a Read Code diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited to the study. Details of consultations, investigations, and referrals related to endometriosis were recorded from the notes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
The prevalence of endometriosis in women aged over 16 years was 1.44%. A third of women had consulted their GP six or more times before being diagnosed. Ultrasound was frequently requested by GPs, but was helpful in diagnosing endometriosis in only 10.6% of women who underwent a scan. Thirty-nine per cent of women were referred to gynaecologists two or more times before a positive diagnosis was made. The median time from first presentation with symptoms to diagnosis was 9.0 years (interquartile range = 4.5-13.5 years).


CONCLUSIONS
Repeated consultations and negative investigations contribute to a median delay of 9.0 years before diagnosis of endometriosis. Further research into GPs' interpretation of symptoms and patients' experiences of negative investigations and consultations may lead to a more positive outcome for women with this condition.
Pugsley
Zoë
Z
University of Surrey, Postgraduate Medical School, Guildford. zoelee@doctors.org.uk
Ballard
Karen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies