Could Be a Sign of Endometriosis

September 2021, study conducted by Trocando Fraldas with more than 5,000 women between July 8 and 14, 2021: A common problem among women, pelvic pain is usually a sign of some dysfunction in the body, which can be gynecological, intestinal, or related to pregnancy. Many women who experience intense pelvic pain may feel an increase in this pain during menstruation.

And as seen in our latest study, 47% of Brazilian women experience intense pelvic pain that worsens during menstruation. This is even higher among women aged 18 to 24, with 49% of participants. Among women who are pregnant, at least 43% experience pelvic pain.

Do you usually feel intense pain in the pelvic region
that gets worse during your period?

Causes of Pelvic Pain

One of the factors that can contribute to pelvic pain, and to it worsening during menstruation, is endometriosis. Endometriosis is, unfortunately, a chronic disease that can cause pain, discomfort, and infertility. Many women have the disease, but because the symptoms are very similar to those of menstruation, they may go a long time without identifying the problem.

Although the percentage of women who experience intense pelvic pain that gets worse during menstruation is 47%, the percentage of women who have already been diagnosed with endometriosis is 5%. This percentage increases a bit among women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, reaching 6%, as they undergo more tests and see doctors more often.

  • Among older women, aged 35 to 39, and 40 to 44, a higher percentage of diagnosis is also seen, 10% and 13% respectively.
  • Roraima is the state where the most participants have already been diagnosed with endometriosis, with 12% of them.
  • In the Federal District, this percentage is 10%. And in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, at least 5% of respondents have this diagnosis.
  • And the state with the lowest percentage of women diagnosed with endometriosis is Pernambuco, with 1%.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Because the symptoms are similar to those of menstruation, many women don't suspect that something is wrong with them. And as we found in the study, 69% do not know that endometriosis can cause heavy periods, cramps during sex, and pain when urinating.

Did you know that endometriosis can cause
heavy periods, cramps during intercourse or pain when urinating?

  • Ceará is the state where the most women are aware of the symptoms of endometriosis, with 38% of respondents.
  • In Rio de Janeiro, the percentage is 35%, and in the Federal District, 33%.
  • In São Paulo and Espírito Santo, 30% of respondents know about the symptoms of the disease.
  • And Acre is the state where the fewest women have this knowledge, with 9% of the population.
  • Additionally, 25% of Brazilian women know someone with the disease.

A Public Health Problem

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 180 million women face endometriosis worldwide. And in April 2021 the WHO recognized endometriosis as a public health problem.

Given the high percentage of women with the disease, and who lack knowledge about it (69% as we previously demonstrated), it is expected that after this recognition, public policies will be developed to address the disease.

Ranking of states where Brazilian women have already been diagnosed with endometriosis

  • 1.Roraima
  • 2.Pará
  • 3.Federal District
  • 4.Piauí
  • 5.Maranhão
  • 6.Sergipe
  • 7.Paraná
  • 8.Amapá
  • 9.Rio Grande do Norte
  • 10.Minas Gerais
  • 11.Acre
  • 12.Ceará
  • 13.São Paulo
  • 14.Mato Grosso
  • 15.Rio de Janeiro
  • 16.Mato Grosso do Sul
  • 17.Rio Grande do Sul
  • 18.Bahia
  • 19.Rondônia
  • 20.Santa Catarina
  • 21.Goiás
  • 22.Alagoas
  • 23.Paraíba
  • 24.Espírito Santo
  • 25.Tocantins
  • 26.Amazonas
  • 27.Pernambuco

Index of Brazilian women who feel pelvic pain that worsens
during menstruation, by state

Research Method

The study was nationwide and conducted with more than 5,000 women between July 8 and 14, 2021. The data collection method was an internet-based questionnaire form.

The following questions were addressed:

  • Do you usually feel intense pain in the pelvic region that worsens during your period?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with endometriosis?
  • Do you know other women with endometriosis?
  • Did you know that endometriosis can cause heavy periods, cramps during intercourse, or pain when urinating?

To compare results between regions and states, affirmative answers were counted numerically, 1 for "yes" and 0 for "no". Some questions, aimed at obtaining more qualitative results, were designed with more options.