Evaluation of endometriosis risk factors, symptoms, and clinical treatments in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

In Bangladesh, endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. Endometriosis causes infertility in 25–50% of women, and it affects one out of every ten women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, many of these women experience a delay in diagnosis of endometriosis, resulting in unnecessary suffering and a lower quality of life. The majority of Bangladeshi women acquire endometriosis due to a lack of education and information. The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors, symptoms for endometriosis as well as clinical treatment. This study collects data from patients with endometriosis using a well-structured questionnaire form. This cross-sectional study was conducted at BIRDEM Women and Children Hospital in Dhaka, Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital in Mohammadpur, and General Hospital in Kishoreganj. The overall number of participants was 100, with the majority (56%) aged between 15 to 25 years. Endometriosis was more prevalent in married (63%) and overweight (41%) women. This condition is more prevalent in women with a graduate degree (45%) and housewives (42%). This study identifies risk factors for endometriosis, including irregular menstruation (44%), normal menstrual cycles (55%), imbalanced thyroid hormone (27%), lengthier menstrual cycles (38%), infertility (45%), and overweight (41%), and all are statistically significant (P<0.05). Dysmenorrhea, excessive bleeding, and low back discomfort were the most frequent symptoms. 73% of endometriosis patients underwent transvaginal ultrasounds. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) were the most generally prescribed treatment for the disease (39%). Laparoscopy was the most prevalent surgical procedure. 33% of patients have laparoscopic surgery, while 1% undergo laparotomy. Endometriosis affects 82% of patients, the majority of whom are housewives. In a developing country, the treatment reduced the prevalence of endometriosis pain in 66% of patients, and 38% of women were able to conceive after overcoming endometriosis blockage. This study will pave the way to create consciousness among women and decrease infertility in Bangladesh.