Sexuality in women with endometriosis: a critical narrative review.

Authors :: La Rosa VL
De Franciscis P
Barra F
Schiattarella A
Tropea A
Tesarik J
Shah M
Kahramanoglu I
Marques Cerentini T
Ponta M
Ferrero S
Source :: Minerva medica [Minerva Med] 2020 Feb; Vol. 111 (1), pp. 79-89. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Nov 11.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that generally affects young and sexually active women in different stages of their development and sexual life. Because endometriosis affects about 5-10% of women in reproductive age, it is possible to estimate that about 2-4% of those who are sexually active may suffer from sexual dysfunction caused by this disease. Surgical and pharmacological treatments of endometriosis can improve the patient's sexual function in the medium and long term, but not necessarily lead to a definitive resolution of the sexual issue. For this reason, the ideal treatment should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team, with the aim to improve overall sexual functioning and not only to reduce the painful symptoms during intercourse. In light of these considerations, the aim of this narrative review was to provide a general overview about the impact of endometriosis on sexuality of women affected and the effectiveness of surgical and pharmacological treatments in improving sexual function.