Cross-sectional survey finds widespread use and varying efficacy of self-management strategies in endometriosis, indicating potential value in supportive care and reimbursement.
Key Points
To evaluate the utilization patterns, perceived effectiveness for pain relief, and barriers to use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological self-management strategies in women with endometriosis.
Conducted a cross-sectional online survey from August to December 2022 among women aged ≥18 years with diagnosed endometriosis in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (N=912 valid responses).
Assessed self-management strategies used over the preceding six months, evaluating frequency, reasons for non-use, self-rated pain reduction on a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and demographic and clinical characteristics using descriptive statistics.
Self-management strategies were used by 75.4% of respondents, with rest (91.6%), heat (91.1%), and exercise (63.3%) being the most prevalent modalities.
The highest mean pain reduction scores on the Numerical Rating Scale were reported for cannabis (mean 8.0), osteopathy (mean 7.3), heat (mean 7.1), and alcohol (mean 6.8).
Interventions including yoga/Pilates, herbal medicine, stretching, and meditation were rated as less effective, with lack of information and high costs identified as the primary barriers to adoption.