Purpose: The link between endometriosis and the presence or intensity of pain is controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and severity of endometriosis and the effectiveness of laparoscopic treatment in a 6-month follow-up.
Methods: Prospective observational study in a referral unit. 144 women had laparoscopy to investigate CPP. Symptoms were assessed by a 10-point visual analog scale. The main outcome measure was the frequency and intensity of CPP.
Results: No difference in pain was found between women with and without endometriosis. Advanced endometriosis was associated with dysmenorrhea, deep endometriosis with dyspareunia and rectovaginal disease with dyschezia. Laparoscopic treatment improves symptoms.
Conclusions: Women with severe endometriosis are more likely to report severe dysmenorrhoea. Furthermore location of endometriosis in the rectovaginal space is associated with dyschezia and deep endometriosis with dyspareunia. However, the association between presence and stage of endometriosis and severity of symptoms is marginal.
Keywords: Chronic pelvic pain; Dysmenorrhea; Dyspareunia; Endometriosis; Laparoscopy.