Endometriosis and sexual disorders: the effect of surgical and medical treatment, a multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Sexual health is a major concern in women with endometriosis, however only a few controlled studies have examined this with validated instruments. The effect of hormonal treatments on sexual function in endometriosis is also an underrated topic. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual function of patients with endometriosis by a specific tool to better evaluate their sexual function (including different domains), and the influence of hormonal treatment or surgery on these parameters. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted in a group (n=194) of sexually active, women aged 25–45 years old, with surgical or ultrasonographic diagnosis of endometriosis, referred to the Endometriosis Center of Careggi University Hospital or Negrar di Valpolicella. Sexual function was assessed by administering the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which assesses the domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. FSFI scores were compared to those of a control group (n=58) and according to the treatment received by patients with endometriosis. Results Ovarian endometriosis was present in 50 patients (25.8%), deep infiltrating endometriosis in 65 patients (33.5%) and both in 79 patients (40.7%). Adenomyosis coexisted in 102 patients (52.6%). Women with endometriosis reported a mean total FSFI score of 18.3 [4.2-25.8] (< 26.55), indicating female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in all patients. At multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders (BMI and hormonal therapy), women with endometriosis presented significantly lower scores than controls in all the FSFI (p<0.001). Patients with endometriosis under hormonal treatments (n=124; 64%), regardless of the type, had significantly lower scores in all FSFI subscales and total score, even after adjusting for confounders—age, BMI and history of surgery. Conclusions Patients with endometriosis are at risk for FSD, encompassing not only dyspareunia, but all domains of sexual function. Hormonal treatments do not result in improvement in sexual symptoms.