Clinical profile and symptoms of young women aged 10–24 years diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis: a 5-year experience of a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

Abstract

ObjectiveData on pelvic endometriosis among young women in the Philippines remains scarce. This study aims to describe the clinical profile and symptoms of Filipino young women aged 10–24 years old diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis in the Philippine General Hospital from 2015 to 2019. Materials and methodsA chart review was conducted among young women aged 10–24 years with a clinical and sonologic diagnosis and/or a histologic diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis. Clinical presentation, severity of disease, and management received were described. ResultsA total of 50 young women were included in the study, aged between 11 and 24 years. Majority had menarche while 3 patients were premenarchal. Eighty-six percent were nulligravid. The most common co-morbidities were polycystic ovary syndrome and bronchial asthma. Cyclic pelvic pain was the most common symptom (42%) followed by acyclic pelvic pain (24%) and heavy menstrual bleeding (24%). Half of the patients were treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (61%) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (39%). Younger women who underwent laparoscopy showed clear vesicular or white fibrotic lesions. ConclusionYoung Filipino women can have pelvic endometriosis that range from mild to moderate disease and should therefore be considered in those who complain of severe pelvic pain that occurs prior or within the first 6 years of menarche. The mean time from experience of first symptom to diagnosis is 1 year. Seeing an obstetrician gynecologist for the first consult shortens diagnostic delay.