When sex is not on fire: a prospective multicentre study evaluating the short-term effects of radical resection of endometriosis on quality of sex life and dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of surgical removal of endometriosis on dyspareunia, sexual function, quality of sex life and interpersonal relationships.

STUDY DESIGN

A questionnaire-based multicentre prospective study was conducted in six tertiary referral centres in Austria and Germany. Ninety-six patients with histologically proven endometriosis and dyspareunia were included. Before surgery and averagely 10 months postoperatively (range 9-12 months), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to screen women's sexuality. Additionally, we evaluated psychological parameters and pain intensity during/after sexual intercourse via a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

Pain scores measured via NAS during/after intercourse decreased significantly after surgery. Frequencies of interrupted sexual intercourse, feelings of guilt towards the partner, being afraid of pain before/during sexual intercourse and feelings of being a burden for the relationship also decreased significantly in patients with peritoneal endometriosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Interestingly, sexually related personal distress did not improve in women with peritoneal endometriosis/vaginal resection, but improved in cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

CONCLUSION

Radical laparoscopic excision of endometriosis offers an effective treatment option and offers a significant improvement in dyspareunia and quality of sex life.