A study on the correlation between physical and mental health and sexual function in patients with urinary tract endometriosis

Evidence regarding the impact of urinary tract endometriosis (UTE) on quality of life and sexual function remains limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare quality of life and sexual function between patients with UTE and those with other types of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. From July 2020 to December 2023, 282 women with confirmed DIE were enrolled and categorized into the UTE group ( n = 85) and the non-UTE group ( n = 197). A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect general characteristics, and corresponding medical records were reviewed. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), yielding Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, were used to assess sexual function and quality of life, respectively. The UTE group had higher rates of abnormal urinary erythrocytes, ureteral abnormalities, proteinuria, hydronephrosis, and preoperative double-J stent placement, but a lower incidence of anal discomfort (all P < 0.05). The PCS score was lower in the UTE group ( P = 0.043). Sexual function did not differ significantly between groups ( P > 0.05). Mental health was positively correlated with orgasm and sexual satisfaction ( P < 0.05). Bivariate analyses showed that physical health was associated with household monthly income ( P = 0.013) and painkiller use ( P = 0.016), while mental health was associated with painkiller use ( P = 0.009), dysmenorrhea ( P = 0.029), and history of miscarriage ( P = 0.010). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that body mass index (BMI) and painkiller use were significantly associated with physical health ( P < 0.05), whereas history of miscarriage and FSFI satisfaction scores were significantly associated with mental health ( P < 0.05). In patients with UTE, sexual function (orgasm and satisfaction domains) was positively correlated with mental health-related quality of life. BMI and painkiller use were significantly associated with physical health-related quality of life, while history of miscarriage and sexual satisfaction were significantly associated with mental health-related quality of life in women with UTE.