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

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.