DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS IN PRIVATE MEDICAL OFFICES IN THE COUNTY OF CRUZ ALTA – RS

Clinical treatment is effective in controlling pelvic pain and should be the choice in situations where there are no absolute indications for surgery.5 The continuous use of progestogens leads to ovulatory blockage and is effective in the treatment of pelvic pain resulting from endometriosis.6,7 Thus, endometriosis is a pathology that affects the quality of life of affected women, causing pelvic pain, besides influencing sexuality, sleep, work and fertility. [...]this study aimed to determine the number of women with endometriosis diagnosed in private practices in the city of Cruz Alta -RS, by obtaining data regarding the etiology of the disease, the number of patients affected and the relationship between endometriosis and infertility. In 100% (20) of the cases, the cause of infertility in women with endometriosis was the interference in the transport of the egg through the tubes, related to inflammatory reactions caused by the pathology or the presence of adhesions, and also the hormonal influence in the process of ovulation and implantation of the embryo and the difficulties in the release of the egg from the ovaries towards the tubes. The affected patients present a variable clinical picture and their quality of life is influenced because the symptoms affect their family, social, affective, sexual and professional life.8 Regarding the number of women diagnosed with endometriosis from July to September 2016, in the city of Cruz Alta, an average of four patients were observed for each gynecologist participating in the study, representing a prevalence of 19%. In a study carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Medical School of the University of Säo Paulo (HCFMUSP), the mean age of patients diagnosed with endometriosis was between 30 and 34 years.9 According to Karul et al. the incidence of endometriosis varies between 30 and 45 years.14 The main symptoms reported by patients were dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, which are the most common complaints.