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Comparative, open-label prospective study on the quality of life and sexual function of women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain on 2 mg dienogest/30 µg ethinyl estradiol continuous or 21/7 regimen oral contraceptive

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of a continuous regimen combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 2 mg dienogest and 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (DNG/EE) compared to a 21/7 regimen on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

Methods

Sixty-three women constituted the Study group treated with DNG/EE COC continuous regimen; 33 women were given DNG/EE COC in a 21/7 regimen. To define the endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, the Visual Analogic Scale was used. The Short Form-36, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to assess QoL, sexual function and sexual distress, respectively. The study included two follow-ups.

Results

At 3 and 6 months of treatment there was an improvement in pain of the Study group (p < 0.001). The Control group underwent pain improvement at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups, the Study group reported QoL improvements in all categories (p < 0.001). The Control group reported QoL improvements in all categories at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups of the Study group, the FSFI total score had risen (p < 0.001), and the FSDS score had dropped (p < 0.001). An improvement of the FSFI score and a reduction of the FSDS score of the Control group was observed at the second follow-up (p < 0.001), but not at the first follow-up (p = NS).

Conclusions

Women on DNG/EE COC continuous regimen reported a reduction of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and there was an improvement of their sexual activity and their QoL that was better than the DNG/EE 21/7 conventional regimen.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank: The Scientific Bureau of the University of Catania, Italy, for language support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecological Clinic, Policlinico Universitario, Via S.Sofia 78, 95124, Catania, Italy

    S. Caruso, M. Iraci, S. Cianci, V. Fava, E. Casella & A. Cianci

  2. Research Group for Sexology, Catania, Italy

    S. Caruso, V. Fava & A. Cianci

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  1. S. Caruso
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  2. M. Iraci
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  3. S. Cianci
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  4. V. Fava
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  5. E. Casella
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Correspondence to S. Caruso.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent was obtained from all women included in the study.

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Caruso, S., Iraci, M., Cianci, S. et al. Comparative, open-label prospective study on the quality of life and sexual function of women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain on 2 mg dienogest/30 µg ethinyl estradiol continuous or 21/7 regimen oral contraceptive. J Endocrinol Invest 39, 923–931 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-016-0460-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-016-0460-6

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