A ENDOMETRIOSE E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A INFERTILIDADE FEMININA E FATORES AMBIENTAIS

Abstract

Scientific evidences show that our health is more related to our life style than to the hegemonic idea of its genetic and biological determination. Other factors that directly influence the existence of the so-called modern diseases include sedentarism, an unhealthy diet, the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, the competition and the frenzy imposed by our daily life. One of the diseases that have affected an increasing number of women is infertility. Infertility and its consequences are correlated not only to some biological factors, but also to psychological factors. Endometriosis is one of the factors related to female sterility. There are risk factors: life style, habits (use of alcohol, tabacco), lack of some vitamins (vitamin C, E) and fibers, childbearing age, pre-existing dieseases, exposure to determined chemical products. The purpose of this investigation was to try to identify some environmental factors that influence the existence of endometriosis and to detect the feelings women have when facing the diagnosis and treatment. This was a longitudinal study, developed according to the descriptive and qualitative-quantitative approach through the selection of patient s medical records and registration and the use of questionnaires. Forty women with endometriosis participated in the study. Results showed that: the average age was 35 years; 45% had college degree all of them were employed, 60% have faith/ are religious; 62,5% never achieved a pregnancy; 45% had menstrual cramps; 15% had difficult in conceiving; 52,5% made biopsies in order to confirm the diagnosis; 80% had been exposed to chemical disinfectants; 72,5% had been exposed to bleaching solution and 57,5% do not exercise; 69% do not use vitamins C, 55% do not use vitamin E; 75% do not use fibers. Therefore, it is important to support them, offer help, security and information to continue the treatment and provide them a better quality of life.