Sexual Activity, Orgasm and Tampon Use Are Associated with a Decreased Risk for Endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine if sexual behaviors, orgasm, tampon use, and douching during menstruation modify the risk of endometriosis. Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Subjects (n = 2,012) consisted of members of the Endometriosis Association and friends not affiliated with the organization who completed mailed surveys. Data were analyzed using χ², Fisher’s exact test, t test, and regression analyses. Results: There was no difference between study groups concerning douching practices. However, cases were less likely than controls to report sometimes or often engaging in sexual behaviors during menstruation (p = 0.002, OR = 1.5), and sexual behaviors during menstruation that included orgasm (p = 0.001, OR = 1.5). Cases were also less likely than controls to report using only tampons (p < 0.0001, OR = 2.6). Conclusion: Sexual activity, orgasm, and tampon use during menstruation may confer protection against endometriosis.

Authors’ response to the Letters to the Editors concerning the article by Meaddough et al: Sexual Activity, Orgasm and Tampon Use Are Associated with a Decreased Risk for Endometriosis

“…Guidone, Marvel, Ballweg and Quinn about our article which recently appeared in this journal [1]. As our introduction discussed, prior to our study the literature supported the notion that sexual activity during menses may lead to endometriosis and, as has been emphasized by these letters, tampons as a delivery vehicle for dioxin appeared to represent a risk factor for developing endometriosis.…”

Menstruation im systemischen Kontext

“…Wer hingegen entspannt im Takt bleibt, eine positive Einstellung zur Menstruation hat und in dieser Zeit orgastische Sexualität genießt, ist seltener von Menstruationsstörungen und Endometriose betroffen [7].…”

Endometriosis, Tampons and Orgasm during Menstruation: Science, Press and Patient Organizations

“…The paper entitled 'Sexual activity, orgasm and tampon use are associated with a decreased risk for endometriosis', by Meaddough and colleagues from Yale University, was published after the normal peer review process in the June 2002 issue of this journal [4]. This paper tested the hypothesis that there would be a positive association between the development of endometriosis and sexual activity/tampon use during menses, but actually found a negative association: women with endometriosis were less likely to engage in sexual activity or to use tampons than women without endometriosis.…”