Exploring the Connection: How Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Differ Between Endometriosis and IBS Patients

Recruitment of endometriosis patients took place at Skåne University Hospital from 2013 to 2017 and again from 2022 to 2023. To take part, patients had to meet certain criteria, including a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. In the first period, 605 patients were identified, but only 172 women ended up participating. During the second period, diagnosis methods improved, leading to 96 potential participants, out of which 74 were analyzed. This brings the total to 214 women involved in the study.

Endometriosis lesions can appear in various places, including the ovaries, bowel, and bladder. Understanding where these lesions form can help in creating better treatment strategies.

For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), recruitment occurred from 2018 to 2023 and involved both primary care centers and social media. A total of 199 women with IBS were ultimately included in the analysis after excluding men and those with endometriosis.

Patients filled out comprehensive questionnaires covering aspects like demographics, medical history, and health behaviors. These insights provide a full picture of how both conditions affect patients’ lives.

To measure symptoms for IBS, a validated scale was used, allowing the evaluation of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. The psychological impact of IBS was also assessed, showing strong links to mental health indicators such as self-esteem and coping skills.

The study employed statistical software for detailed analysis, comparing various factors like age, BMI, and physical activity between the two groups. Findings might help healthcare providers understand these diseases better and tailor interventions.

Research shows that endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of women globally, yet many remain undiagnosed. Similarly, IBS impacts about 10–15% of the population. As awareness and understanding grow, more effective treatments are likely to emerge, improving the quality of life for those affected.

For more detailed information about endometriosis and IBS, you can refer to the comprehensive guidelines released by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group here.

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Endometriosis,IBS,Gastrointestinal symptoms,Lifestyle habits,Sociodemographic factors,Trigger events,Gastroenterology,Internal Medicine,Hepatology