Association between self-perception of genital image in patients diagnosed with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain and healthy women.

Introduction : Endometriosis is a pathology that carries a high social stigma and a factor in the quality of life of the sufferer. Its etiology is unknown and treatment includes surgical and conservative measures, including hormonal suppression. Objectives : The main objective of the study is to demonstrate a distortion of the genital image in patients diagnosed with endometriosis with chronic pelvic pain, the secondary objective is to associate the distortion of the genital image with the quality of life. Methodology : A cross-sectional study of cases (women with endometriosis and CPP) and controls (healthy women) were carried out with a total of 284 women over 18 years of age. Results : Statistically significant differences were obtained in favor of a lower perception of genital self-image and quality of life (for the physical component), in women with endometriosis and CPP, compared to healthy women. Conclusion : More studies with medium-long term follow-up are needed to be able to make a correct understanding of the process and offer an adequate multidisciplinary approach, aiming at the reconciliation of the idea that the body and the mind are one.