Abstract

Background

The impact of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients is under-researched. Endometriosis has significant psychosocial effects on patients. Moreover, the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is elective surgery, impacted as a result of healthcare strain.

Objective

To better understand the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis patients

Materials and Methods

An online survey sent to adult UK endometriosis patients between 27th August and 15th September 2021. The study received HRA and HCRW research ethic committee approval.

Main outcome measures

Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on endometriosis symptoms and surgery

Results

We received 1,089 survey responses. Respondents had a median age of 34, and 82.0% of respondents were white British. 18.8% of respondents reported a previous positive Covid-19 PCR test. 84.6% of patients had been double vaccinated at time of response. 20 patients reported Covid-related hospital admission, with 1 requiring intubation. Large numbers of patients (31.4-55.2%) reported worsening of endometriosis symptoms during the pandemic. 69.2% of respondents reported worsening of associated mental health symptoms. Whilst 44% of respondents had elective endometriosis surgery planned, the majority of operations were disrupted, and 18.7% of total respondents did not have a new surgery date.

Conclusions

More research and support are needed for endometriosis patients as they wait longer for surgery. A holistic approach, encompassing mental health needs, may be particularly beneficial for patients.

What is new? This is the first survey examining the effects of Covid-19 on endometriosis patients including data beyond January 2021.