title: Deep dyspareunia and sex life after laparoscopic excision of endometriosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Among subjects with endometriosis and deep dyspareunia (DD), those with endometriosis of the uterosacral ligament (USLE) have the most severe impairment of sexual function. This study examines the effect of laparoscopic excision of endometriosis on DD and quality of sex life.
  
  
  METHODS
  This observational cohort prospective study included 68 women with endometriosis suffering DD (intensity of pain >or= 6 on a 10-cm visual analogue scale). Patients underwent laparoscopic full excision of endometriosis. Following surgery, they were asked to use nonhormonal contraception devices. Before surgery, at 6- and at 12-month follow-up, patients answered a self-administered questionnaire based on the Sexual Satisfaction Subscale of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 6- and 12-month follow-up, women with and without USLE had significant improvement in DD. Subjects with USLE reported increased variety in sex life, increased frequency of intercourse, more satisfying orgasms with sex, relaxing more easily during sex and being more relaxed and fulfilled after sex. Similar improvements were observed among women without USLE; however, for some variables statistical significance was not reached.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical excision of endometriosis improves not only DD but also the quality of sex life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. simone.ferrero@fastwebnet.it
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferrero
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Abbamonte
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ragni
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Remorgida
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017699:Pelvic Pain; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; D013997:Time Factors