Quality of sex life in women with endometriosis and deep dyspareunia.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize sexual function among women with endometriosis and deep dyspareunia (DD).


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Three-hundred nine women undergoing surgery because of infertility, pelvic pain, or adnexal masses. Three groups of patients with DD were created: women with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the uterosacral ligament (group U), women with endometriosis without uterosacral ligament lesions (group E), and controls (group C).


METHODS
Laparoscopy.


METHODS
Sexual function questionnaire.


RESULTS
The prevalence of DD since the first intercourse was significantly higher among women with endometriosis than in controls (P=.029). When group U was compared with group E and C, the pain score was higher, the number of intercourses per week was reduced, the orgasm was less satisfying, and the patients felt less relaxed and fulfilled after sex. No significant difference was observed in pain score and coital frequency between subjects with monolateral and bilateral lesions of the uterosacral ligament.


CONCLUSIONS
Among subjects with DD, those with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the uterosacral ligament have the most severe impairment of sexual function; the presence of bilateral lesions does not influence the severity of the symptoms. Women with endometriosis have frequently suffered DD during their entire sex lives.
Ferrero
Simone
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. simone.ferrero@fastwebnet.it
Esposito
Francesca
F
Abbamonte
Luiza Helena
LH
Anserini
Paola
P
Remorgida
Valentino
V
Ragni
Nicola
N
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000503:physiopathology; D009948:Orgasm; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D012447:Sacrum; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014599:Uterus