DOES BOWEL FUNCTION IMPACTS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH DEEP INFILTRATING ENDOMETRIOSIS ACCORDING KIND OF TREATMENT?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Women with intestinal endometriosis may have a higher incidence of constipation, which may influence their quality of life. Objective: To correlate bowel function with sexual function and quality of life in women with deep endometriosis according to the type of treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 141 women with bowel endometriosis from May 2020 to April 2021. Women were divided into two groups according to kind of treatment: 51 women with surgery treatment and 90 women with medical treatment. The Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire were used to assess quality of life e Female Sexual Function Index were used to assess sexual function. To access bowel function we used the following questionnaires: Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. Results: The mean age of women in the surgical group (37.98±5.91years) was higher than that of the medical group (35.68±5.45years) (P=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference between pain symptoms (P=0.905), water intake (P=0.573) or fiber (P=0.173) and physical activity (P=0.792) in both groups. There was no difference between quality of life and sexual function in both groups. There was a direct correlation of bowel function with quality of life and sexual function in both groups. Conclusion: Bowel function is directly correlated with sexual function and quality of life, regardless of the type of treatment.