Prevalence of newly diagnosed endometriosis in women attending the general practitioner.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of newly diagnosed endometriosis in premenopausal women who requested a consultation with their general practitioner because of non-gynecological problems.


METHODS
Participants in the study were invited to complete a questionnaire investigating the presence of pain symptoms and infertility. On the basis of the characteristics of these symptoms, some patients underwent gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound. Radiological examinations were performed when bowel or bladder endometriosis were suspected.


RESULTS
A total of 1291 women without a previous diagnosis of endometriosis were included in the study. On the basis of the symptoms, 108 women were referred to a gynecologist. After gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasound, endometriosis was suspected in 51 women (47.2%). The diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by radiological investigations and/or surgery in 46 patients; the diagnosis of endometriosis was presumed in 2 other women but it was not confirmed by radiological investigations and/or surgery. The prevalence of endometriosis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and/or surgery was 3.6% (46/1291).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of newly diagnosed symptomatic endometriosis in this study was at least 3.6%. A simple evaluation of symptoms (pain and infertility) that can be performed by a general practitioner facilitates the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Ferrero
Simone
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Martino Hospital and University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. dr@simoneferrero.com
Arena
Elisa
E
Morando
Amatore
A
Remorgida
Valentino
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017697:Premenopause; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult