The impact of endometriosis and modes of its treatment on quality of life and sexual functioning of women – a review of recent research
The impact of endometriosis and modes of its treatment on quality of life and sexual functioning of women – a review of recent research

Summary/Abstract: Endometriosis is a disease affecting approximately 6–10% of women, often diagnosed with a delay of several years, accompanied by chronic pelvic pain, local inflammatory reactions, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), and which can be a risk factor for infertility – the mechanisms leading to infertility have not yet been fully discovered. Aim: The following literature review aims to review research on quality of life, including sexual life of women suffering from endometriosis and the effect of different modes of treatment on sexual functioning. Material and methods: Articles reporting empirical studies published between 2010–2016 searched in Google Scholar databases, EBSCO, PsycNET, PubMed using combinations of keywords: endometriosis, sex / sexual life / sexual functioning / intercourse were included in the review. Articles included the keywords in the title or the abstract and concerned psychological variables. Results and conclusions: Women with endometriosis rate their quality of life including sexual functioning lower than women without endometriosis, and even women with other gynecological diseases. Studies indicate that both surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for endometriosis and by reducing the painful symptoms contribute to improving the sexual functioning of women. Further research directions in order to better understand psychological and sexual functioning of women in treatment due to endometriosis are suggested.

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