Project Lead: Lena Grabenhofer
Authors: Lena Grabenhofer, Doris Giess, Eleen Rothschedl
Duration: Q1 to Q3 2026
Language: English (with German summary)
Endometriosis is a benign, chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The most common symptoms include severe pain, particularly during menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, and infertility. In Austria, 6.4% of menstruating individuals aged 14 to 60 years are affected by endometriosis, with around two thirds of cases occurring before menopause. A further 4.4% are suspected of having the condition. However, the true prevalence is likely to be underestimated due to a high number of undiagnosed cases, which may affect up to 300,000 people.
As the exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, a complete cure is currently not possible. Treatment therefore focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. The choice of treatment depends on the individual circumstances of the affected person, particularly whether pain, infertility, or both are the primary concern. Available treatment options include pain medication, hormonal therapies, and surgical interventions, which may be used individually or in combination.
The AIHTA was commissioned to identify and review current international guideline recommendations and care pathways and, based on these findings, to develop evidence-based recommendations and assess their applicability within the healthcare context of Vienna.