Endometriosis as a Social Challenge: The Role of Pain Management Clinics and Multidisciplinary Approach in Improving Patients' Quality of Life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.86.66649Keywords
endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, multidisciplinary treatment, pain therapy, quality of lifeAbstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease charakterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is a major cause of chronic pelvic pain, negatively impacting physical, mental, and social functioning.
Objective: The narrative review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of multidisciplinary pain management strategies in women with endometriosis and their impact on quality of life.
Methods: A comprehensive review of 28 publications published between 2017 and 2025 from databases was conducted using the keywords endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, multidisciplinary treatment and pain therapy, and quality of life. Data regarding pharmacotherapy, surgical complications, physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle modification, and complementary methods for pain management were analyzed. Issues related to disease risk and the impact of interventions on patients' lives were also analyzed.
Results: Pharmacotherapy, including NSAIDs, opioids, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, is the cornerstone of pain management in endometriosis. Hormonal therapy, surgery, physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, an anti-inflammatory diet, and complementary methods such as acupuncture and TENS are also considered. Younger patients, advanced disease stages (III-IV), deeply infiltrating lesions, and longer time since surgery are significant risk factors for recurrence.
A multidisciplinary approach significantly improves symptom control and quality of life in physical, mental and social aspects.
Conclusions: Individualized, multidisciplinary strategies are crucial for pain control and improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis. Well-planned health campaigns and inclusion of specialists from various fields enables early, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment that not only alleviates symptoms but also supports patients' daily and social functioning.
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