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Review
. 2017 May 2:9:281-293.
doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S119724. eCollection 2017.

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

Laura Buggio  1   2 , Giussy Barbara  3 , Federica Facchin  4 , Maria Pina Frattaruolo  1   2 , Giorgio Aimi  2 , Nicola Berlanda  2
Affiliations
Review

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

Laura Buggio et al. Int J Womens Health. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: alternative medicine; diet; physical activity; psychotherapy; sexual therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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