Potential benefits of pregnancy on endometriosis symptoms

Abstract

Objective: To explore the potential benefits of pregnancy on endometriosis symptoms. This is a retrospective study that has been conducted at Academic department and referral center for endometriosis.

Study design: We included all conservative women who had a live birth after at least one surgery for endometriosis and who reported pre-pregnancy moderate to severe pelvic pain symptoms (at least one among dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, non menstrual pelvic pain and dyschezia). Data were collected before pregnancy and two years after delivery. The main aim of the study was comparing endometriosis-related pain symptoms before and after pregnancy. Mental health and quality of life were also assessed to investigate the possible psychological benefits of pregnancy.

Results: One-hundred thirty- one women were identified. Forty- nine women (37%, 95% CI: 29-47%) had a clinically relevant recurrence of symptoms requiring medical or surgical treatment. Two years after delivery, 84% of women (95% CI 77-90%) reported at least one moderate-severe pain symptom. A statistically significant improvement was observed for HADS and SF-12 scores but not for FSFI.

Conclusion: Women with endometriosis experiencesymptoms relief during and immediately after pregnancy. However, as for hormonal medical therapy, symptoms rapidly recur in the vast majority of cases.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Pain symptoms; Pregnancy.