The Effect of Botulinum on Chronic Pelvic Pain and Sexual Satisfaction in Women with Endometriosis

Background & Objective: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Chronic pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis which significantly impacts on a woman's quality of life, including sexual satisfaction. Botulinum toxin injection has been used as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis, but its effect on sexual satisfaction is not well understood. The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of botulinum on chronic pelvic pain and sexual satisfaction in women with endometriosis. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 32 women with endometriosis who were randomly assigned to receive either botulinum toxin injection or placebo. The primary outcome was a change in chronic pelvic pain assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at one month after treatment. Secondary outcome included changes in sexual satisfaction assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at one month after treatment. Results: The botulinum toxin injection significantly reduced chronic pelvic pain compared to placebo at one month after treatment (P<0.001). There was also a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction in the botulinum toxin group compared to placebo at one month after treatment (P=0.001). Conclusion: Botulinum toxin injection in women with endometriosis may be an effective treatment option for chronic pelvic pain and improving sexual satisfaction.