Quality of life in Brazilian women with endometriosis assessed through a medical outcome questionnaire.

Objective: To assess the quality of life in women with pelvic pain associated with endometriosis through the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Study Design: The study was cross-sectional and conducted at a tertiary care center. Sixty women diagnosed surgically with endometriosis were interviewed during the first half of 2001.

Results: In general, a poor quality of life was observed among the women interviewed. No correlation was found between the quality of life and intensity of pain, use of medications and/or living with a partner. Women with moderate or severe endometriosis scored better on the emotional aspects of the questionnaire. Among those who exercised regularly, better scores on mental health were observed.

Conclusion: According to the SF-36 questionnaire, this cohort study of Brazilian women with endometriosis showed a poor quality of life.