Partners matter: The psychosocial well-being of couples when dealing with endometriosis

Abstract

Background Endometriosis is often associated with severe dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain and dyspareunia and has a high impact on daily life as well as sexuality. Quality of partnership positively influences the course of various diseases and ability to cope with emotional and physical distress. However, studies focusing on the male partners of endometriosis patients are rare, and even less is known about the reciprocal relationship in these couples. Therefore, this study aims to explore the interrelations in couples with endometriosis in matters of psychological distress, sexual and partnership satisfaction and social support. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted in two university-affiliated fertility centres in Germany and Austria with n = 104 female/male couples affected by endometriosis. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding endometriosis, partnership, sexuality, stress, anxiety, depression and social support. Both women and men were asked about the impact of women’s endometriosis-related pain (IEP) on their everyday life (e.g. leisure time). Data were analysed using the Actor-Partner-Interdependence Model. Results Significant partner effects were evident: High depression, anxiety and stress scores in women were associated with a higher IEP in men (all p ≤ 0.01), reciprocally high stress and depression scores in men were correlated with a higher IEP in women (all p ≤ 0.05). Less sexual satisfaction in women was associated with a higher IEP in men (p = 0.040). There was a significant reciprocal association between the perceived lack of understanding from the social environment and a higher IEP, for both women (p = 0.022) and men (p = 0.027). Conclusions The male partner should be taken into account when counselling or treating women with endometriosis. Our study shows a high interdependence and reciprocal influence from both partners—positively and negatively—concerning psychological distress and sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, there ought to be more awareness for the psychosocial impact of endometriosis, especially in regard to social support and understanding. Talking about and improving sexual satisfaction as well as enhancing stress reducing techniques may hold great benefits for dealing with endometriosis. Registration number The study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), number DRKS00014362.

Correlation between pain and depressive symptoms in patients with confirmed endometriosis during COVID-19 pandemic

“…In addition, we would like to mention that another interesting fact for future studies would be to evaluate the relationship status and partnership of our patients to find out how that might have an impact as well [ 22 ]. Along with Schick et al [ 22 ], the impact of the partner should be taken into account when counseling or treating women with endometriosis. Their study has shown a high interdependence and reciprocal influence from both partners—positively and negatively—concerning psychological distress and sexual satisfaction.…”

“…Their study has shown a high interdependence and reciprocal influence from both partners—positively and negatively—concerning psychological distress and sexual satisfaction. The authors state that the impact of endometriosis on the partner has probably been underestimated [ 22 ]. It is conceivable that the impact of a partnership can interfere—positively and negatively—with the well-being and mental situation of endometriosis patients, especially under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Furthermore, psychological assessment should be provided to identify women at risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression and provide them an adequate psychological support [ 10 ]. Furthermore, there ought to be more awareness for the psychosocial impact of endometriosis, especially in regard to social support and understanding [ 22 ].…”

Predictors of Partnership and Sexual Satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility

“…This means that education and awareness of the topic of endometriosis in the relatives and friends of those affected, but also in society, are important factors in supporting affected couples. In addition, (male) partners should be included in the treatment of endometriosis patients, as they can also be affected and restricted by this disease [42].…”

Endometriosis: patient–doctor communication and psychological counselling

“…This is the case, for example, in connection with coping strategies [ 30 ] and self-efficacy [ 28 ]. A study conducted in Heidelberg and Innsbruck indicated that the subjective experience of major stress heightened the negative impact of endometriosis pain not only on the patients, but also on their partners [ 33 ]. Interestingly, social support had a great deal less influence than the (subjectively perceived) absence of understanding for the illness from others.…”