ENDOMETRIOSIS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES ON FERTILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE – A HOSPITAL-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT PMCH NAWABSHAH.

JPUMHS;2024:14:04,132-138. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2024/14.04.570 .

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a disabling gynecological disorder that affects about
10% of reproductive-aged women globally, with far-reaching effects on fertility and quality
of life QoL. Although the condition is worldwide in its prevalence, information from low
resource settings such as Pakistan is limited. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional
survey of 360 women aged between 18–45 years having clinically or laparoscopically
diagnosed endometriosis. Structured questionnaires for collection of data regarding
demographic parameters, fertility background, severity of pain visual analog scale, VAS, and
QoL Endometriosis Health Profile-30, EHP-30. Severity of the disease as per revised
American Society for Reproductive Medicine ASRM criteria was categorized. Analysis of
data performed by using SPSS version 26, wherein p<0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 29.4 ± 6.2 years, and 62.5% had reported infertility
65.8% primary, 34.2% secondary. Severe pelvic pain VAS ≥7 was found in 58.3% of the
participants, which was associated with advanced ASRM stages III/IV. QoL scores reflected
significant impairment in pain 68.2 ± 12.4, emotional well-being 54.7 ± 15.2, and social
functioning 49.3 ± 14.8. Advanced endometriosis ASRM III/IV was highly linked with
infertility OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.8–6.3, p<0.001, and decreased socioeconomic status was
associated with delayed diagnosis OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.2, p=0.008. CONCLUSION:
Endometriosis has a major impact on fertility and QoL in women of Nawabshah, with
diagnostic delays compounding disease burden. The implications of our findings underscore
the need for enhanced diagnostic protocols, multidisciplinary management, and patient
education in low-resource environments to forestall long-term sequelae.