The association between socio-demographic variables and endometriosis in relation to other pelvic pathology and to pain reporting

Abstract

SummaryMultidimensional scalogram analysis was used to gain a clearer understanding of the association between sociodemographic variables and the occurrence of endometriosis in relation to pelvic pain of other origins and the relation of such variables to pain reporting in these two groups. In contrast to previous findings, there were no socio-demographic factors distinctive of endometriosis. Endometriosis patients of higher socioeconomic status and higher educational level are more likely to report premenstrual tension, earlier pain onset, pain of longer duration and intensity which has increased with age, although their endometriosis is more likely to be minimal or mild. This pattern was not evident for other pelvic pain patients, suggesting that the results obtained with endometriosis patients do not just reflect reporting bias but are a specific feature of endometriosis.