Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis from the perspective of healthcare providers in Germany: A qualitative study

Winter J, Jonas Winter, Neugebauer T, Neugebauer, Till, Till Neugebauer, Alena Allak, Allak A, Yilmaz-Aslan Y, Yüce Yilmaz-Aslan, Patrick Brzoska, Brzoska, Patrick, Brzoska P
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology · 2026 · vol. 323 , pp. 115173 · doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115173 · PMID:42127731 · W7160693651
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-07, 2026-07-17 ⓘ

German healthcare providers face challenges in endometriosis care due to structural, economic, and awareness barriers, requiring increased funding, training, and research.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify challenges and facilitating aspects of endometriosis care from the perspective of healthcare providers in Germany. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 4 and December 5, 2025. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify perceived challenges and potential improvements in endometriosis care. RESULTS: Respondents reported multiple challenges in endometriosis care. Structural and economic barriers emerged as key issues, including limited time and financial resources in outpatient and inpatient settings, inadequate remuneration for time intensive consultations, and insufficient funding for staffing in endometriosis centers. Limited awareness of endometriosis among healthcare professionals and the general public, as well as diagnostic difficulties related to complex symptoms, were also identified as important barriers. Suggested improvements included increased financial resources, expanded training opportunities, improved dissemination of information, and greater investment in endometriosis research. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis care in Germany faces challenges similar to those reported internationally. A national action plan, comparable to those implemented in other countries, could improve care through targeted training programs, awareness initiatives, and increased financial support. Greater awareness of endometriosis as a potential diagnosis is essential to reduce diagnostic delays and improve care.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude of Health Personnel

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (27)

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