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Endometriosis and Sexuality

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Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction

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Abstract

Endometriosis inducing an inflammatory reaction and infiltration of anatomic structures causes pain symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, dysuria, and dyschezia. It is the most frequent cause of deep dyspareunia, and patients with the disease have a ninefold increase in risk of experiencing this symptom when compared with the general female population. A principal pathogenic mechanism in dyspareunia is altered awareness of pain recurrence due to previous experiences of coital pain. Some women learn to adapt their sexual position to accommodate the pain, as the retrocervical area is most likely to be struck during deep vaginal penetration. Nonetheless, this frustrating complaint generally results in less satisfying orgasms, reduced relaxation and fulfillment after sex, limitations in the frequency of intercourses, and eventual overall impairment in quality of sex life. There is no cure for endometriosis and so the management focuses on symptom relief. This can involve a range of interventions including analgesics, hormonal therapy, both minimally invasive and radical surgery, and, where relevant, fertility treatment, with varying rates of success. In conclusion, considering the multidimensional impact of endometriosis in sexual function, the treatment approach should include emotional and social support, stress reduction, psychosexual treatment, and a focus on quality of life issues, sex and relationships, pain management, and career counseling.

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  1. Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Nadine Di Donato & Renato Seracchioli

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  1. Nadine Di Donato
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  2. Renato Seracchioli
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Correspondence to Nadine Di Donato .

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  1. Department of Urology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Elisabetta Costantini

  2. Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Donata Villari

  3. SS Annunziata Hospital, Savigliano, Italy

    Maria Teresa Filocamo

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Di Donato, N., Seracchioli, R. (2017). Endometriosis and Sexuality. In: Costantini, E., Villari, D., Filocamo, M. (eds) Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41716-5_6

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