The effects of endometriosis on women's sexual function

Abstract

Objective: Endometriosis is a chronic disease with multiple negative implications for the quality of life and mental health of affected women. It can significantly affect various aspects of their lives and can cause long-term suffering in the psycho-emotional, social and sexual spheres. The aim of this paper is to present the consequences of endometriosis on female sexual function and the quality of couple relationships, as well as the importance of a multidimensional approach to it. Methods: A literature search investigating the sexual function of patients with endometriosis was performed to identify the effect of endometriosis on women's sexuality. Results: Endometriosis has negative effects in various areas of female sexual function. Dyspareunia occurs as a common symptom in women with endometriosis and causes severe impairment of sexual function, couple relationships and psychological well-being. However, the presence of dyspareunia is not the only discouraging factor in the sexual health of these women, as a general impairment of sexual function in all its aspects is perpetuated over time: desire, satisfaction, orgasm, pain. Conclusions: Women with endometriosis report significantly more sexual dysfunction compared to healthy women. This issue deserves special attention in the case of endometriosis, in the decision-making process for treatment. As a complex condition, endometriosis requires an integrative and multidisciplinary approach that includes, in addition to surgical and pharmacological approaches, emotional and social support, stress reduction, psychosexual therapy, and an emphasis on quality of life, pain management, sex, and relationships.