The influence of laparoscopic surgery on health-related quality of life and sexual function in individuals with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a persistent gynaecological issue that impacts 1 in 9 women and gender diverse individuals and is associated with poorer health related quality of life (HRQoL) and lower sexual functioning. At present, laparoscopic excision surgery – a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove endometriotic lesions from internal organs – is viewed as one of the most effective treatments for endometriosis. However, research investigating the impact of laparoscopic excision surgery on HRQoL and sexual functioning in individuals with endometriosis is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of laparoscopic excision surgery on HRQoL and sexual function, using a cross-sectional design. Individuals with self-reported symptomatic endometriosis (n =240) completed an anonymous online survey measuring endometriosis-related symptom burden, engagement with laparoscopic excision surgery, HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index). The results of the current study indicated that individuals with endometriosis have substantially poorer HRQoL in comparison to Australian normative HRQoL scores. Significant negative correlates of sexual function included the presence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, intermenstrual bleeding, and vulva pain. Significant negative correlates of sexual function included the presence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, intermenstrual bleeding, and vulva pain. The study’s findings highlight the pervasive impact of endometriosis on all domains of living, indicating that treatment should extend beyond the singular treatment goal of alleviating physical pain. Rather, a holistic management approach is recommended that incorporates a person-centred review of the unique endometriosis-related symptom profile and associated distress