Theoretical and Applied Economics (May 2024)
The socio-economic effects of infertility
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually around the pelvic organs. The socio-economic impact of endometriosis is significant, affecting both the personal and professional lives of the affected women, as well as the health system and the economy as a whole. This condition can generate substantial expenses for treatment, medical visits, medications, and surgery. The psychological impact of chronic pain and fertility uncertainty can also be considerable, affecting the quality of life and mental well-being of affected women. In light of these aspects, the approach to endometriosis is not only medical, but also socio-economic, requiring increased attention from the medical community, governments and society as a whole to improve early diagnosis, effective treatment and appropriate support for affected women. The main objective of the research is to carry out a case study centered on endometriosis that evaluates the socio-economic impact of infertility for patients with surgical interventions and whose result will contribute to the education of patients and specialists interested in the evolution of this pathology. The study was designed to capture the feedback of patients, doctors who treat this disease as well as the perspective of the psychotherapist. The secondary objectives that derive from this case study are to highlight the diagnostic and treatment experience for patients – defining elements for the quality of the surgical act, as well as to correlate the perspectives of those involved. It was also intended to validate the studies presented in the theoretical aspects through the results of the proposed studies.
