December 2, 2020

expert reaction to a study looking at sun exposure and risk of endometriosis

A study published in Reproductive epidemiology looks at sun exposure and risk of endometriosis. 

Dr Caroline Overton, a consultant gynaecologist and RCOG spokesperson, said:

“The result suggests that living in a sunshine state is associated with a decreased risk of endometriosis, but use of sunbeds six times or more per year is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. A history of five or more sunburns between the ages of 15-20 was also associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. This is an interesting finding but what we don’t know is whether there is a direct link between sunbeds and endometriosis, or whether this is an association with another factor for example immune or genetic differences.

“Endometriosis remains a poorly understood condition and we have long been calling for more medical research. Despite 1.5 million women having the incredibly painful condition in the UK, there is a significant gap in our knowledge about what causes endometriosis.

“In the absence of an easy diagnostic test, current guidelines are that women should be suspected to have endometriosis on the basis of their symptoms – specifically painful periods, pain in days before a period, pain going to the toilet, pain during and after sex and fatigue. The lack of medical research is the reason why it still takes an average of 8 years to diagnose endometriosis and why women and girls continue to be let down when it comes to their diagnosis, treatment and the support they receive to manage their condition.”

‘Recreational and residential sun exposure and risk of endometriosis: a prospective cohort study’ by Farlandet al. was published in Reproductive epidemiology at 00:05 UK time on Wednesday 2^nd December.

DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa280

Declared interests

None received