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01-10-2018 | General Gynecology

Effects of etonogestrel implant on quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic pain in women suffering from endometriosis: results from a multicenter, prospective, observational study

Authors: Anna Sansone, Nicoletta De Rosa, Pierluigi Giampaolino, Maurizio Guida, Antonio Simone Laganà, Costantino Di Carlo

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Progestins are successfully employed as treatment for endometriosis. Our study evaluates the effects of the etonogestrel (ENG) implant on pelvic pain, quality of life, and sexual function in women requiring long-term reversible contraception and presenting ovarian cysts of probable endometriotic origin.

Methods

We enrolled 25 women asking for contraception with the ENG implant and presenting a cyst with the ultrasound features of an endometrioma and pain symptoms. Patients were interviewed on pain symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria) using a VAS score (0–10), on quality of life (QoL) using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, and on sexual activity using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire before inserting the implant (T0) and after 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2).

Results

We found a significant decrease in dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia VAS scores comparing baseline scores to 6 and 12 months. After 12 months, the bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health domains of the QoL score were significantly improved. The total FSFI score results increased in comparison with baseline both at 6 and 12 months. In particular, we highlighted a significant improvement in desire, satisfaction, and pain domains already at 6 months; the arousal domain improved only after 12 months. Finally, mean diameters of endometrioma-like cysts were not changed after 12 months of treatment.

Conclusions

Etonogestrel implants seem to be able to reduce pelvic pain, improve sexual function, and quality of life in patients with ovarian cysts suspected of endometriotic origin.

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Title: Effects of etonogestrel implant on quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic pain in women suffering from endometriosis: results from a multicenter, prospective, observational study
Authors: Anna Sansone
Nicoletta De Rosa
Pierluigi Giampaolino
Maurizio Guida
Antonio Simone Laganà
Costantino Di Carlo
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4851-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of etonogestrel implant on quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic pain in women suffering from endometriosis: results from a multicenter, prospective, observational study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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