Primary care assessment of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition. Delay in diagnosis andfragmented care is common and this can have a significant effect onquality of life for those affected and their families. Recent guidancehas highlighted the imperative of earlier recognition in primary careusing symptom-based diagnosis supported by examination and timely referral for further diagnostic procedures. The focus should be onperson-centred care and individualised approaches. For primary care practitioners, the guidance highlights the need for comprehensiveassessment of cyclical or non-cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, deep dyspareunia, bowel and bladder symptoms and subfertility. Thearticle will outline history taking and assessment, pharmacological management of analgesic and hormonal options, and person-centredsupport strategies that can be instigated in primary care settings.