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.