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The burden of endometriosis: costs and quality of life of women with endometriosis and treated in referral centres

Human Reproduction · 2012 · Vol. 27(5) · pp. 1292–1299

Steven Simoens✉(KU Leuven)G.A.J. Dunselman(Maastricht University Medical Centre)Carmen D. Dirksen(Maastricht University Medical Centre)L. Hummelshoj(Endometriosis)Attila Bokor(Semmelweis University)Iris Brandes(Medizinische Hochschule Hannover)Valentin Brodszky(Corvinus University of Budapest)Michel Canis(Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand)Giorgio Lorenzo Colombo(University of Pavia)Thomas DeLeire(University of Wisconsin–Madison)Tommaso Falcone(Cleveland Clinic)Barbara Graham(National Health Service)G Halis(Praxis)Andrew W. Horne(University of Edinburgh)O. Kanj(Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand)Jens Jørgen Kjer(University of Copenhagen)J. A. Kristensen(University of Copenhagen)Dan I. Lebovic(University of Wisconsin–Madison)Michael D. Mueller(University of Bern)Paola Viganò(University of Milan)Marcel Wullschleger(University of Bern)Thomas D’Hooghe(KU Leuven)

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Abstract

Our study invited women to report resource use based on endometriosis-associated symptoms only, rather than drawing on a control population of women without endometriosis. Our study showed that the economic burden associated with endometriosis treated in referral centres is high and is similar to other chronic diseases (diabetes, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis). It arises predominantly from productivity loss, and is predicted by decreased quality of life.

Endometriosis Research and Treatment Uterine Myomas and Treatments Gynecological conditions and treatmentsEndometriosisMedicineReferralPelvic painQuality of life (healthcare)InfertilityConfidence intervalPopulationHealth careIndirect costs

MeSH terms

AdultAmbulatory CareEndometriosisFemaleHumansInfertility, FemaleProspective StudiesQuality of LifeRegression AnalysisHealth Care CostsCost of IllnessPelvic PainQuality-Adjusted Life YearsTertiary Care Centers