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Rempert AN, Rempert TH, Liu A, Hernández A, Blanck J, Segars J, Singh B. A Systematic Review of the Psychosocial Impact of Endometriosis before and after Treatment. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1828-1860. [PMID: 38512699 PMCID: PMC11216884 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01515-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
While endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease associated with infertility, the psychosocial impact of endometriosis has not been evaluated against various quality of life (QoL) instruments and compared with other chronic illnesses. We rigorously analyzed the psychosocial burden of endometriosis in adult women and compared standardized and validated QoL scores of women with and without endometriosis, before and following treatment, and against other chronic illnesses. We searched PubMed, PsychINFO Embase, and Cochrane Reviews and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1990 to December 2022 for publications using a detailed list of search terms related to QoL, endometriosis, and questionnaires. Only English-language publications that evaluated the association between Endometriosis and QoL using standardized and validated questionnaires measured at baseline and following treatment were considered. Four reviewers first performed a title and abstract screening followed by full text-review to finalize included articles. QoL scores of women with endometriosis were measured at baseline and analyzed against women without endometriosis and women with endometriosis who had undergone treatment. Additionally, baseline endometriosis scores were assessed against the published QoL scores of populations with other chronic conditions. Assessment of risk of bias was performed in accordance with Cochrane and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale guidelines. A total of 30 articles were included in this review: 4 randomized trials and 26 observational studies. The diagnosis and experience of women with symptomatic endometriosis had an equal or worse QoL score than that of other chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer when compared using the 36-Item Short Form Survey and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaires. Evidence showed association between low QoL and infertility, sexual dysfunction, mental health struggles, physical pain, poor sleep and fatigue. QoL scores were lower at baseline compared to following treatment in the majority of these domains. Endometriosis is associated with significant psychosocial burden and impaired QoL scores across baseline measurements in comparison to controls and other chronic illnesses. Medical and surgical interventions significantly decreased experienced burdens and improved QoL of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Rempert
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Trevor H Rempert
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Casewestern Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amy Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ana Hernández
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaime Blanck
- Informationist Services, Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Segars
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences &, Women's Health Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhuchitra Singh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences &, Women's Health Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 624, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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van Eickels D, Schick M, Germeyer A, Rösner S, Strowitzki T, Wischmann T, Ditzen B. Predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024:10.1007/s00404-024-07516-z. [PMID: 38705889 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endometriosis and infertility are associated with impaired partnership and sexuality of the patients, but also of their male partners. Also, endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, resulting in a large overlap of both pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the association of different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples with endometriosis and infertility. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 62 women with endometriosis and n = 46 partners, including a total of n = 44 couples, some of whom were affected by infertility. The questionnaire included items on partnership, sexuality, depression, social support, and desire for a child. Multiple linear regression and the actor-partner-interdependence-model were used for analysis. RESULTS Significant dyadic effects only occurred in couples with both endometriosis and infertility. Depression showed a significant negative actor effect in men for partnership satisfaction and a negative actor and partner effect in women for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). For women, social support showed a significant positive actor effect for partnership satisfaction (p < .05), age showed a significant actor and partner effect for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). CONCLUSION The results show a significant association of endometriosis and infertility with partnership and sexuality satisfaction. Infertility could be a decisive factor. However, the large overlapping of both endometriosis und infertility in many couples support the importance of further studies to differentiate between the both effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014362 on the 29.03.2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah van Eickels
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Maren Schick
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Rösner
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Oppenheimer A, Boitrelle F, Nicolas‐Boluda A, Fauconnier A. Measurement properties of sexual function assessment questionnaires in women with endometriosis: A systematic review following COSMIN guidelines. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:799-823. [PMID: 38226426 PMCID: PMC11019533 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual function of patients with endometriosis should be assessed by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that present high reliability and validity. The objective was to study the PROMs used to assess sexual function for patients with endometriosis to improve their selection for research and clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a systematic literature review from January 2000 to September 2023. All studies including women with confirmed endometriosis and assessing sexual quality of life or sexual function or sexual distress were retrieved. Different properties of PROMs used for sexual dysfunction were assessed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Properties evaluated were: structural validity, internal consistency, cross-cultural validity, reliability, measurement error, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness. This literature review was registered on Prospero as 2018 CRD42018102278. RESULTS Seventy-four articles with evaluation of sexual function were included. Of the 25 PROMs assessing sexual function, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was the most frequently used (34/74 [45.9%] items), followed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale (9/74 [12.2%] items) and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) (8/74 [10.8%] items). The most commonly used measurement properties were "hypothesis testing" and "responsiveness". The PROMs with a high level of evidence for these two measurement properties were the FSFI, the SAQ, the Short Sexual Functioning Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, Sexual Quality of Life-Female, the Brief Profile of Female Sexual Function, and the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire. The FSFI questionnaire appeared to be more relevant for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for evaluating surgical treatment. Only one instrument was specific to endometriosis (the Subjective Impact of Dyspareunia Inventory [SIDI]). CONCLUSIONS In this systematic literature review of sexual function assessment questionnaires in endometriosis, the FSFI and the SAQ questionnaires emerged as having the best measurement properties according to the COSMIN criteria. The FSFI questionnaire appears to be suited for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for surgical treatment. The SIDI is the only specific questionnaire, but its responsiveness remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Oppenheimer
- EA 7285 Research Unit “Risk and Safety in Clinical Medicine for Women and Perinatal Health”Versailles‐Saint‐Quentin University (UVSQ)Montigny‐le‐BretonneuxFrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility PreservationUniversity hospital Antoine BéclèreClamartFrance
- Department of Reproductive MedicineClinique de La MuetteParisFrance
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology and CECOSPoissy HospitalPoissyFrance
- Department BREED, UVSQ, INRAEParis Saclay UniversityJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | | | - Arnaud Fauconnier
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility PreservationUniversity hospital Antoine BéclèreClamartFrance
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy‐Saint‐Germain‐en‐LayeDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsPoissyFrance
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Moore C, Cogan N, Williams L. A qualitative investigation into the role of illness perceptions in endometriosis-related quality of life. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:1157-1171. [PMID: 37358039 PMCID: PMC10571435 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231183230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is related to adverse quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing outcomes. The way in which endometriosis is perceived by individuals experiencing the condition has not been directly considered, yet illness perceptions (IPs) are predictors of QoL in several chronic conditions. This research aims to gain an understanding of the IPs held by individuals experiencing endometriosis and their impact on QoL. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with 30 UK-based participants sought to gain an understanding of participant experiences and perceptions linked to endometriosis. Three themes were constructed through reflexive thematic analysis: a life disrupted; lost sense of self; and complex emotional responses. Largely negative IPs were held by individuals experiencing endometriosis which, along with endometriosis-specific symptoms, fuelled fears for the future and reduced QoL. IP-based interventions may support the QoL of those experiencing endometriosis whilst effective treatment is sought.
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Arias-Castillo L, García L, García-Perdomo HA. The complexity of female orgasm and ejaculation. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:427-434. [PMID: 36208324 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The anatomy and physiology of the female orgasm are often neglected. The female orgasm is a normal psychophysiological function to all women, and some even can achieve ejaculation as part of the normal physiological response at the height of sexual arousal. The complexity of female sexuality requires a deep understanding of genital anatomy. The clitoris is the principal organ for female pleasure. The vaginal stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall led women to orgasm due to the stimulation of the clitourethrovaginal complex and not due to stimulation of a particular organ called the G spot in the anterior distal vaginal wall. Female ejaculation follows orgasm. It consists of the orgasmic expulsion of a smaller quantity of whitish fluid produced by the female prostate. Squirting can be differentiated from female ejaculation because it is the orgasmic transurethral expulsion of a substantial amount of diluted urine during sexual activity, and it is not considered pathological. The female orgasm is influenced by many aspects such as communication, emotional intimacy, long-standing relationship, adequate body image and self-esteem, proper touching and knowledge of the female body, regular masturbation, male sexual performance, male and female fertility, chronic pain, and capacity to engage in new sexual acts. Stronger orgasms could be achieved when clitoral stimulation, anterior vaginal wall stimulation, and oral sex is involved in the same sexual act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Arias-Castillo
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Academic Vice President Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Lina García
- UROGIV Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cll 4b # 36-00, Cali, Colombia
| | - Herney Andrés García-Perdomo
- UROGIV Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cll 4b # 36-00, Cali, Colombia.
- Division of Urology/Urooncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
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Asencio FDA, Fins RJP, Mitie CK, Ussia A, Wattiez A, Ribeiro HS, Ribeiro PA, Koninckx PR. Segmental Rectum Resection for Deep Endometriosis and Excision Similarly Improve Sexual Function and Pain. Clin Pract 2023; 13:780-790. [PMID: 37489420 PMCID: PMC10366930 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13040071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Segmental rectum resections for indications other than endometriosis were reported to result in up to 40% sexual dysfunctions. We, therefore, evaluated sexual function after low bowel resection (n = 33) for deep endometriosis in comparison with conservative excision (n = 23). Sexual function was evaluated with the FSFI-19 (Female Sexuality Functioning Index) and EHP 30 (Endometriosis Health Profile). The pain was evaluated with visual analogue scales. Linear excision and bowel resections improved FSFI, EHP 30, and postoperative pain comparably. By univariate analysis, a decreased sexual function was strongly associated with pain both before (p < 0.0001) and after surgery (p = 0.0012), age (p = 0.05), and duration of surgery (p = 0.023). By multivariate analysis (proc logistic), the FSFI after surgery was predicted only by FSFI before or EHP after surgery. No differences were found between low bowel segmental resection and a more conservative excision. In conclusion, improving pain after surgery can explain the improvement in sexual function. A deleterious effect of a bowel resection on sexual function was not observed for endometriosis. Sexual function in women with endometriosis can be evaluated using a simplified questionnaire such as FSFI-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carolina Kami Mitie
- Medicine College, University of Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo 01224-001, Brazil
| | - Anastasia Ussia
- Gemelli Hospital, Universtità Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Arnauld Wattiez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Strasbourg, 67081 Strasbourg, France
- Latifa Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 9115, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Paulo Ayrosa Ribeiro
- Department of Gynaecology Endoscopy, Santa Casa de São Paulo Hospital, São Paulo 01221-010, Brazil
| | - Philippe Robert Koninckx
- Latifa Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 9115, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Jiang T, Chen Y, Gu X, Miao M, Hu D, Zhou H, Chen J, Teichmann AT, Yang Y. Review of the Potential Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol on Endometriosis. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:741-763. [PMID: 37200624 PMCID: PMC10187648 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s404660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the existence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine cavity. Pharmacotherapy and surgery are the current dominant management options for endometriosis. The greater incidence of recurrence and reoperation after surgical treatment as well as the adverse effects of medical approaches predispose patients to potential limitations for their long-term usage. Consequently, it is essential to explore novel supplementary and alternative drugs to ameliorate the therapeutic outcomes of endometriotic patients. Resveratrol is a phenolic compound that has attracted increasing interest from many researchers due to its pleiotropic biological activities. Here, we review the possible therapeutic efficacies and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol against endometriosis based on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies. The potential mechanisms of resveratrol include anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidative stress, anti-invasive and anti-adhesive effects, thereby suggesting that resveratrol is a promising candidate for endometriosis. Because most studies have investigated the effectiveness of resveratrol on endometriosis via in vitro trials and/or experimental animal models, further high-quality clinical trials should be undertaken to comprehensively estimate the clinical application feasibility of resveratrol on endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Gu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyue Miao
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daifeng Hu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second People’s Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, 644000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Alexander Tobias Teichmann
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Alexander Tobias Teichmann; Youzhe Yang, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Youzhe Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646000, People’s Republic of China
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