Patient-Physician Interactions Regarding Dyspareunia With Endometriosis: Online Survey Results [33M]

Kathyrn A. Witzeman, Oscar Antunez Flores, Roberta I Renzelli-Cain, Brett Worly, Beth Schneider
In: Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2019 · vol. 133(1) , pp. 150S · doi:10.1097/01.aog.0000559306.07093.6a · W2944281099
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An online survey of 357 women with endometriosis and dyspareunia revealed suboptimal patient-physician communication, noting that most discussed painful sex without receiving a specific diagnosis and preferred clinicians to initiate such conversations.

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This study utilized an online survey to evaluate patient-physician communication regarding dyspareunia among women with endometriosis. The analysis of 357 respondents revealed that while most discussed painful sex with a gynecologist, few were correctly diagnosed with the condition, and many cited embarrassment or hopelessness as barriers to seeking care. Participants indicated that healthcare providers should initiate conversations about this symptom, yet current management often relies on surgery or over-the-counter medications rather than comprehensive dialogue. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically addressing the clinical challenge of managing dyspareunia and improving doctor-patient communication for this specific symptom within the disease context.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dyspareunia is a challenging symptom of endometriosis-related pelvic pain, exacerbated by suboptimal communication between the patient and healthcare professional (HCP). Our aim was to describe patient-HCP communications regarding diagnosis and management of dyspareunia in endometriosis patients. METHODS: An IRB-approved 24-question online English-language survey was conducted among women 19 years or older who self-identified as having endometriosis and dyspareunia. Women were asked about their interactions with HCPs about dyspareunia. Participants were recruited via MyEndometriosisTeam (a social network for women with endometriosis); members were invited by e-mail. Other participants were solicited via invitations posted on MyEndometriosisTeam’s Facebook page. Invitation to participate included a link to an anonymous survey. RESULTS: Of the 32,865 invited participants, 357 US women completed the survey with an 11% open rate and 10.3% response rate. Most respondents (83%) were between 19 and 29 years old; 85% reported to have discussed painful sex with a gynecologist, while only 33% were told their condition might be dyspareunia. Among those who did not seek help, 34% indicated that they were too embarrassed, while 26% did not think anything could lessen the pain. 42% of women agreed that it would be easier to discuss painful sex if the HCP initiated the discussion. Women reported that HCPs most often recommend surgery (46%) and over-the-counter pain medication (36%) for dyspareunia, while 18% provide no advice. CONCLUSION: In this online survey, the majority of women reported suboptimal communication with HCPs when seeking help for dyspareunia, highlighting the need for better dialogue about dyspareunia between patients and physician.
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Introduction

Dyspareunia is a challenging symptom of endometriosis-related pelvic pain, exacerbated by suboptimal communication between the patient and healthcare professional (HCP). Our aim was to describe patient-HCP communications regarding diagnosis and management of dyspareunia in endometriosis patients.

Methods

An IRB-approved 24-question online English-language survey was conducted among women 19 years or older who self-identified as having endometriosis and dyspareunia. Women were asked about their interactions with HCPs about dyspareunia. Participants were recruited via MyEndometriosisTeam (a social network for women with endometriosis); members were invited by e-mail. Other participants were solicited via invitations posted on MyEndometriosisTeam’s Facebook page. Invitation to participate included a link to an anonymous survey.

Results

Of the 32,865 invited participants, 357 US women completed the survey with an 11% open rate and 10.3% response rate. Most respondents (83%) were between 19 and 29 years old; 85% reported to have discussed painful sex with a gynecologist, while only 33% were told their condition might be dyspareunia. Among those who did not seek help, 34% indicated that they were too embarrassed, while 26% did not think anything could lessen the pain. 42% of women agreed that it would be easier to discuss painful sex if the HCP initiated the discussion. Women reported that HCPs most often recommend surgery (46%) and over-the-counter pain medication (36%) for dyspareunia, while 18% provide no advice.

Conclusion

In this online survey, the majority of women reported suboptimal communication with HCPs when seeking help for dyspareunia, highlighting the need for better dialogue about dyspareunia between patients and physician.

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endometriosisdyspareunia

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