Endometriosis doubles the risk of sexual dysfunction

A statistically significant difference was present in all domains evaluated, including sexual desire, sexual arousal, pain during intercourse, orgasm and/or sexual satisfaction and overall sexual dysfunction.

Women with endometriosis are more than two times as likely to present sexual dysfunction as compared to women without the disease, according to a study published in Gynecologic Endocrinology.

In this study conducted by researchers from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine in São Paulo, Brazil, more than 1000 women were recruited from a general gynecologic clinic and assessed for sexual function and anxiety/ depression with the Female Sexual Quotient tool and the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory, respectively. The final analysis included 254 women with endometriosis and 329 patients without the disease. Women who presented severe anxiety or depression were excluded.

The results showed that 43.3% of women with endometriosis experience overall sexual dysfunction, as compared to 17.6% of women in general population. A statistically significant difference was present in all domains evaluated, including sexual desire, sexual arousal, pain during intercourse, orgasm and/or sexual satisfaction and overall sexual dysfunction.

Previous studies had specifically demonstrated how pelvic pain and anxiety and depression in patients with endometriosis may negatively impact the quality of their sexual lives. The findings of this study corroborate the importance of assessing and addressing sexual dysfunction in routine clinical care of patients with this common disease.

F Fairbanks et al. Endometriosis Doubles the Risk of Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Large Amount of Patients. Gynecol Endocrinol 1-4. 2017 Mar 28.