A patient-oriented workshop on sexual pain and endometriosis: Preliminary evidence for improvements in painful intercourse self-efficacy

Abstract

ObjectiveEndometriosis-associated dyspareunia can persist after surgical interventions, requiring multidisciplinary treatment including pain education. This study explored the effectiveness of a one-day workshop for improving knowledge, behavioural changes, and self-efficacy. Materials and methodsPre-test post-test study of people who attended a workshop on dyspareunia and endometriosis. A pre- and immediately post-workshop questionnaire was used to evaluate the outcomes. A subsection of the Painful Intercourse Self-Efficacy questionnaire was used to assess self-efficacy. ResultsSixteen people completed both the pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, 12 of which had endometriosis. There were improvements in knowledge on the prevalence, causes and treatments of dyspareunia in endometriosis after the workshop. All participants with endometriosis said “yes” or “maybe” to discussing what they learned with their healthcare provider. Comparing the self-efficacy of the 12 participants with endometriosis between pre- and post-workshop, there was a significant increase in certainty that they could: continue most of their sexual activities (Cohen's d=0.61, P=0.007); keep dyspareunia from interfering with their relationship (Cohen's d=0.77, P=0.023); make small-to-moderate reductions (Cohen's d=0.48, P=0.021) and large reductions (Cohen's d=0.56, P=0.034) in their dyspareunia by using non-surgical methods. ConclusionDisseminating information about dyspareunia at a one-day workshop was associated with improved knowledge and self-efficacy.