Self-management and psychological-sexological interventions in patients with endometriosis: Strategies, outcomes, and integration into clinical care

International Journal of Women's HealthOpen AccessVolume 9, 2017, Pages 281-293

(Review)

• Buggio, L.^abEmail Author,
 
• Barbara, G.^c,
 
• Facchin, F.^d,
 
• Frattaruolo, M.P.^ab,
 
• Aimi, G.^b,
 
• Berlanda, N.^b
 
• View Correspondence (jump link)

• ^aDepartment of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
• ^bDepartmental Operating Unit of Surgical Gynecology and Endometriosis, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy
• ^cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence (SVSeD), Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy

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Abstract View references (121)

Endometriosis has a multifactorial etiology. The onset and progression of the disease are believed to be related to different pathogenic mechanisms. Among them, the environment and lifestyle may play significant roles. Diet, dietary supplements, physical exercise, osteopathy, massage, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and Chinese herbal medicine may represent a complementary and feasible approach in the treatment of symptoms related to the disease. In this narrative review, we aimed to examine the most updated evidence on these alternative approaches implicated in the self-management of the disease. In addition, several studies have demonstrated that endometriosis may negatively impact mental health and quality of life, suggesting that affected women may have an increased risk of developing psychological suffering as well as sexual problems due to the presence of pain. In light of these findings, we discuss the importance of integrating psychological interventions (including psychotherapy) and sexual therapy in endometriosis treatment. © 2017 Buggio et al.

Author keywords

• Alternative medicine
 
• Diet
 
• Physical activity
 
• Psychotherapy
 
• Sexual therapy

• ISSN: 11791411
• Source Type: Journal
• Original language: English

• DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S119724
• Document Type: Review
• Publisher: Dove Medical Press Ltd

• References (121)

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  Buggio, L.; Departmental Operating Unit of Surgical Gynecology and Endometriosis, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 12 Via della Commenda, Milan, Italy; email:buggiolaura@gmail.com
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