Study on the Self-Administered Use of a Specialized Kit for the Management of Sexual Pain Associated With Endometriosis

Summary

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, according to 2023 data from the World Health Organization. Endometriosis is often associated with debilitating pain, particularly during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). This pain profoundly affects these patients' sexual health and, consequently, their quality of life, yet it remains frequently misunderstood and inadequately managed, partly due to a lack of information and appropriate tools.

One of the key aspects of this study is the use of the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ), an internationally recognized assessment tool for measuring the impact of treatment on sexual functioning. The SAQ collects precise data on sexual activity (primarily frequency), the level of sexual pleasure, and the perceived pain potential experienced by patients during sexual activity, assessing not only the intensity of pain but also its influence on the emotional and relational aspects of intimate life. The SAQ has been validated to assess the impact of surgical treatments for endometriosis on sexual functioning.

The results obtained through this questionnaire in routine clinical practice formed the basis for the tools developed by Dr. Magalie Benoit, providing an in-depth understanding of the different types of pain experienced by patients.

The kit used in the study contains:

1. The Endo-Sexo Guide: A 258-page book that compiles and analyzes possible responses to the SAQ. It explains in detail the mechanisms of sexual pain and offers personalized solutions to alleviate it.
2. The Endo Doute app: It allows women to keep a journal tracking pain (frequency and intensity), the frequency of sexual intercourse, and the tools used to relieve pain (including those provided in the kit). It also allows users to export their data to share with the healthcare professionals involved.
3. A set of practical tools for managing sexual pain on a daily basis, including an endo-vaginal TENS device to treat dyspareunia, penis rings to limit deep penetration, hyaluronic acid suppositories, CBD (cannabinoid) lubricant gel, sublingual CBD oil to reduce stress, as well as two dietary supplements-one containing palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) to combat inflammation and the other made from herbs to aid menstrual comfort.

These tools will be used independently by patients, offering them personalized solutions to better understand and manage their pain on their own. Each patient will be able to choose whether or not to use the various components of the kit and how often to use them. Empowering patients to manage their own pain should improve their sexual quality of life and reduce the need for occasional or unscheduled medical care.

This project represents the first initiative aimed at evaluating the impact of these tools on patients' autonomy in managing sexual pain related to endometriosis.

Conditions

• Endometriosis

Interventions

DEVICE

Specialized kit

The kit used in the study contains: 1. The Endo-Sexo Guide: A 258-page book that compiles and analyzes possible responses to the SAQ. It explains in detail the mechanisms of sexual pain and offers personalized solutions to alleviate it (Guerrier-Benoit 2024) 2. The Endo Doute app: It allows women to keep a journal tracking pain (frequency and intensity), the frequency of sexual intercourse, and the tools used to relieve pain (including those provided in the kit). It also allows users to export their data to share with the healthcare professionals involved. 3. A set of practical tools for managing sexual pain on a daily basis, including an endo-vaginal TENS device to treat dyspareunia, penis rings to limit deep penetration, hyaluronic acid suppositories, CBD (cannabinoid) lubricant gel, sublingual CBD oil to reduce stress, as well as two dietary supplements.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Elsan

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-29

Primary Completion

2027-06-30

Completion

2027-06-30

Countries

• France

Study Locations