Psychological aspects of pelvic pathology, with specific reference to endometriosis

This study examines psychological aspects of pelvic pathology with specific reference to endometriosis, a gynaecological disease where tissues like the endometrium (tissues that lines the inside of the uterus) are found outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a cause of pelvic pain, excessive bleeding and infertility. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the hypothesis that patients with endometriosis have a different socio-demographic and psychological profile from other gynaecological patients. A second aim was to evaluate the hypothesis that psychological factors are more important than disease severity in predicting pain experienced. A third aim was to evaluate the hypotheses that psychological factors predict pain outcome and that reason for referral (pain or infertility) influences psychological adjustment subsequent to treatment by laser surgery. The results did not support the hypothesis that endometriosis patients in comparison to patients with other pelvic pathology would be of higher socio-economic status. Endometriosis patients were found to be more anxious than other pelvic pathology patients, although there were no other between group differences. Socio-demographic factors were also found ... (continues)