The Impact of Physical Activity on Endometriosis Symptoms: A Literature Review

In: Quality in Sport · 2025 · vol. 45 , pp. 66538 · doi:10.12775/qs.2025.45.66538 · W4416249163
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Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is a benign proliferative disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Some studies suggest that physical activity may have a positive influence on the symptoms of this medical condition. Aim of the Study: The aim of this review is to assess whether physical activity has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of endometriosis and to identify potential knowledge gaps or limitations in the studies conducted so far. Material and Methods: This review is based on studies identified through databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using the following search terms: “endometriosis and physical activity”, “endometriosis and exercise” and “treatment of endometriosis”. Results: Three of the analyzed studies provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that physical activity has a positive impact on endometriosis symptom management, particularly in reducing pain. Two other systematic reviews did not reach clear conclusions, and one study did not find statistically significant evidence of a beneficial effect of exercise on endometriosis management. Conclusions: The current literature does not provide consistent results regarding the impact of physical activity on endometriosis. Therefore, future studies, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials, are required to draw reliable conclusions.
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Introduction

Endometriosis is a benign proliferative disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Some studies suggest that physical activity may have a positive influence on the symptoms of this medical condition. Aim of the Study: The aim of this review is to assess whether physical activity has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of endometriosis and to identify potential knowledge gaps or limitations in the studies conducted so far.

Material and methods

This review is based on studies identified through databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using the following search terms: “endometriosis and physical activity”, “endometriosis and exercise” and “treatment of endometriosis”.

Results

Three of the analyzed studies provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that physical activity has a positive impact on endometriosis symptom management, particularly in reducing pain. Two other systematic reviews did not reach clear conclusions, and one study did not find statistically significant evidence of a beneficial effect of exercise on endometriosis management.

Conclusions

The current literature does not provide consistent results regarding the impact of physical activity on endometriosis. Therefore, future studies, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials, are required to draw reliable conclusions.

References

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Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2014 Jan 6;12:4. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-4 Downloads Published How to Cite Issue Section License Copyright (c) 2025 Krystyna Wilkowska, Wojciech Kaczorowski, Maciej Michałowski, Maria Sudomir, Karol Knysak, Alicja Maj, Mateusz Szczerba, Aleksandra Hejnosz, Michał Jastrzębski, Maja Piątek This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Stats Number of views and downloads: 501 Number of citations: 0

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