Qualidade de vida de mulheres com endometriose: uma relação com a função sexual

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the external endometrium of the uterine cavity. The main symptoms are chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspaurenia and infertility. The disease usually affects women of childbearing age and has negative impacts on their quality of life, including sexual function. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life and sexual function of women with endometriosis. Methods: observational, exploratory, hospital-based, cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative and analytical study. Carried out in a reference hospital in endometriosis care, in endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain outpatient clinics, from March 2016 to October 2019. Sixty-three women with deep endometriosis participated in the study. Data collection was performed using the service evaluation form and the SF-36, EHP-30, FSFI and BID questionnaires. Results: the average age was 35 years old, 41.3% have incomplete primary education, 42.9% have regular partners and 62% are nulliparous. As for pain, 79.4% reported acyclic dysmenorrhea, 76.2% chronic pelvic pain, 55.6% reported dyspaurenia. The means of the SF-36, EHP-30, FSFI and question 21 of the BDI showed, respectively, low quality of life, some degree of sexual dysfunction and reduced interest in sex. There was a positive correlation between parity and the SF-36: physical aspects (p=0), pain (p=0.035), general condition (p=0.002). Dyspaurenia had negative correlations with SF-36: physical aspects (p=0), pain (p=0), vitality (p=0.0003). Dyspaurenia showed negative correlations with FSFI: excitement (p=0.03), lubrication (p=0.01), orgasm (p=0.02), satisfaction (p=0.04) and with the sum (p= 0.04). EHP-30 only showed two correlations with sociodemographic data and pelvic pain characterization. On the other hand, it showed many correlations with the SF-36. Regarding the FSFI, the dimension control and impotence had a positive correlation with orgasm (p=0.009) and self-image also with the orgasm domain (p=0.025). The sample was separated into two clusters. The main predictors for distinguishing the clusters were the FSFI domains and the sum (p=0), excitement (p=0), lubrication, orgasm and pain, all with p=0. Conclusions: The women in the study have a low level of education, many are infertile, have a low quality of life and severe impairment of sexual function. The FSFI questionnaire proved to be important in separating the sample into groups and a relationship between sexual function and quality of life was perceived. Further studies are needed to deepen the impact of endometriosis on women's lives and new holistic approaches to be implemented.