Epidemiological study and clinical consequences of endometriosis and PCOS co-occurrence in a clinical population of women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) co-occurrence in a clinical population of women with endometriosis and to quantitatively assess its impact on infertility, symptom severity, and quality of life. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data from 380 patients diagnosed with endometriosis at Amir al-Momenin Hospital in Zabol (2018-2023) were analyzed. Endometriosis was diagnosed clinically and via imaging (transvaginal ultrasound/MRI), and PCOS was identified using the Rotterdam criteria. Data on infertility, symptom severity (Visual Analog Scale), dyspareunia, and quality of life (EHP-30 questionnaire) were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi- Stata square tests, t-tests, and age-adjusted logistic regression. The analysis was conducted using Stata version 17 software. RESULTS: The co-occurrence rate of PCOS among women with endometriosis was 24.5%. Women with both conditions had a significantly higher prevalence of infertility (25.6% vs. 15.4%, p=0.043) and severe symptoms (84.9% vs. 12.2%, p