Impact of endometriosis on partners: Results from the French EndoVie survey

Objectives

To study the impact of endometriosis on women’s partners and evaluate the partners’ perceptions and experiences.

Study design

Between January 21 and 28, 2020, a prospective cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among partners of women suffering from endometriosis. The investigated sample group (n = 100) was taken from a targeted population among the Ipsos Access panel that collects data from 235,171 French subjects. The online questionnaire aimed to assess the impact of endometriosis on partners’ well-being and daily life on a scale of 0 to 10 (where 0 represents very low impact and 10 represents very high impact).

Results

The survey included 92 men and 8 women. Most of them (78 %) were at least 45 years of age and had been in a relationship for over 13 years (63 %). For 75 %, the diagnosis of endometriosis was made after the relationship had begun. At the time of endometriosis diagnosis, the dominant partners’ feelings were concern, understanding, and compassion; however, 17 % also reported negative feelings. The average ratings for the impact of endometriosis on sexual relations and the couple’s life were 4.2 ± 3.2 out of 10 and 3.6 ± 2.8 out of 10, respectively. The psychological impact, impact on leisure, and impact on relationships with friends and family were less significant. Endometriosis was also found to impact partners’ emotions: 26 % reported that they did not often/very often understand the expectations of their partners when they underwent endometriosis-associated pain and 19 % reported feeling guilty about blaming their partner because of endometriosis.

Conclusion

This data provides new insights regarding the impact of endometriosis on partners of women suffering from the condition and highlights the importance of counselling in the management of endometriosis.