Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients suffering from endometriosis.

A literature search was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang from the inception of the databases until July of the year 2025 for literature related to the topic of sexual dysfunction among patients with endometriosis. After screening the literature and extracting the data information, the analysis was carried out using the Stata version 17.1 software.

A total of 19 studies were included, enrolling a total of 4185 participants with endometriosis. Meta-analysis indicated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with endometriosis was 62.5% (95% CI, 54.6-70.4). Subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in studies published after 2020 (71.0%) than in those published before 2020 (53.9%) (Q = 7.43, P = .006). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was relatively higher among patients with moderate or severe endometriosis (69.8 vs. 38.2, Q = 16.04, P < .001). Similarly, the prevalence was also significantly higher among patients with pelvic pain (74.2 vs. 35.1, Q = 4.56, P = .033). Univariable and multivariable meta-regression analyses revealed that only publication year (β = 0.21, P = .018) was a significant influencing factor for sexual dysfunction in patients with endometriosis.

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is relatively high among patients with endometriosis. And the prevalence rate has increased significantly in recent years. It is particularly elevated in patients with greater disease severity and those experiencing pelvic pain. It is suggested that corresponding intervention measures be actively taken to effectively prevent or reduce the occurrence of sexual dysfunction in patients with endometriosis.