Cecilie Franck1, Marlene H Poulsen1, Grigorios Karampas2, Annamaria Giraldi3, Martin Rudnicki4. 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. 2. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö-Lund, Sweden. 3. Sexological Clinic, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. 4. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic implants is considered one of the most effective therapeutic options. The disease and its treatment can have a major impact on psychosexual well-being but this is often overlooked as most studies focus on pain instead of sexuality in a holistic approach. The aim of this study was to review the current literature regarding the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on quality of sexual life (QoSL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines we conducted a systematic review that involved searching PubMed and Embase databases for prospective studies evaluating the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on QoSL, using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 357 papers, 17 were selected for full text evaluation. Twelve studies using seven different questionnaires fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in QoSL following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to substantial heterogeneity among the included studies arising from differences in questionnaires, follow-up duration, stages of endometriosis, use of hormonal treatment, and missing data. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis can improve QoSL. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials based on a new validated questionnaire regarding specifically QoSL in association with endometriosis. As sexual functioning is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple physical, psychological and social factors, QoSL should be holistically evaluated by a team of different healthcare providers, implementing treatment programs that are individualized to each woman.
INTRODUCTION:Endometriosis is a benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic implants is considered one of the most effective therapeutic options. The disease and its treatment can have a major impact on psychosexual well-being but this is often overlooked as most studies focus on pain instead of sexuality in a holistic approach. The aim of this study was to review the current literature regarding the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on quality of sexual life (QoSL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines we conducted a systematic review that involved searching PubMed and Embase databases for prospective studies evaluating the effect of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis on QoSL, using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 357 papers, 17 were selected for full text evaluation. Twelve studies using seven different questionnaires fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in QoSL following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to substantial heterogeneity among the included studies arising from differences in questionnaires, follow-up duration, stages of endometriosis, use of hormonal treatment, and missing data. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis can improve QoSL. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials based on a new validated questionnaire regarding specifically QoSL in association with endometriosis. As sexual functioning is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple physical, psychological and social factors, QoSL should be holistically evaluated by a team of different healthcare providers, implementing treatment programs that are individualized to each woman.
Authors: Mikal van Poll; Esther van Barneveld; Luca Aerts; Jacques W M Maas; Arianne C Lim; Bianca T A de Greef; Marlies Y Bongers; Nehalennia van Hanegem Journal: Sex Med Date: 2020-07-22 Impact factor: 2.491