Sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis in a low-middle-income country

Endometriosis affects up to 10% of reproductive-age women and significantly impairs quality of life including sexual function, intimate relationships, fertility, and psychological wellbeing. While its impact has been extensively studied in Western populations, there is limited Sub-Saharan African data exploring how the disease affects female sexual health and distress. This study aimed to assess sexual function and sexual distress among women with endometriosis at a tertiary hospital in Kenya.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 108 women aged 18 to 49 with confirmed endometriosis from January to June 2022. The study used validated self-administered questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS v25.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSFI≤26.55) was observed in 76.9% of participants, with the most affected domains being arousal, orgasm, and pain. Sexual distress (FSDS-R≥11.5) was identified in 65.7%. Sociodemographic factors such as marital status, parity, residence, and prior live birth were significantly associated with dysfunction (P < 0.05).

Sexual dysfunction and distress are common among Kenyan women with endometriosis, underscoring the need for holistic care strategies that integrate medical and psychosocial support.