Qualitative and quantitative aspects of sex life in the context of endometriosis: a multicentre case control study

Abstract Research question What are the specific characteristics of sexual activity in women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis? Design Multicentre case control study. Participants were recruited in university hospitals, district hospitals, and doctor's offices in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. A total of 565 women with endometriosis were pair-matched to 565 control women by age and ethnic background. Diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by histology and disease stage was classified according to ASRM criteria. Data on sexuality were collected using selected questions from the Brief Index of Sexual Function and the Sexual History Form. Results Altogether, 69.1% of women with endometriosis and 77.8% of control women engaged in sexual activity during the month prior to the study period (p Conclusions Women with endometriosis have lower frequencies of petting/foreplay as well as of vaginal sexual intercourse than control women; this difference has to be attributed, at least in part, to dyspareunia. Potentially pain-free sexual options are used to a limited degree. As endometriosis-affected women desire higher levels of sexual activity, sexual counselling should be included in medical support. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 02511626