Complementary therapies for endometriosis associated pain: An extensive survey - 07/07/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.jeud.2025.100126

Laëtitia Mercier Des Rochettes ^a, Giacomo Serboli ^b, Leonardo Nelva Stellio ^c, Elisabetta Manzoni ^d,⁎ , Aubert Agostini ^e

^a Faculty of Medical and Paramedical Sciences, University Faculty Aix-Marseille, 13284, France

^b Women, Parents Childrens Departement, Les Escartons Hospital, Briançon, 05100, France

^c Departement of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maggiore Hospital, Crema, 26013, Italy

^d Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of the Study of Milan, Milan, 20100, Italy

^e Departement of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AP-HM Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille, 13005, France

^⁎ Corresponding author.

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Highlights

•	The study observed a high prevalence of non-pharmacological therapy use among patients suffering from endometriosis-related pain.
•	Most common complementary therapies used were Osteopathy, Anti-inflammatory diet, Sophrology, Yoga and Physiotherapy.
•	More than half of endometriosis patients included in the study reported reducing their conventional analgesic intake due to complementary treatments.
•	The wide majority of respondents had discussed complementary therapies with their physicians but half of them felt their healthcare providerswere skeptical about these treatments.

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Abstract

Objective

Our primary objective is to evaluate the use of complementary therapies among women with endometriosis to manage chronic pelvic pain. As a secondary objective, the study aims to assess satisfaction levels with these therapies and respondents' perceptions of their impact on the disease.

Material and methods

Patients were recruited at Centre Hospitalier des Escartons de Briançon, with help from EndoFrance Association and social media. Women with a history of endometriosis and chronic pain were invited to complete an anonymous online form via Google Forms.

Results

Between March and July 2022, 24.337 patients were invited to complete a questionnaire, with 778 responses, resulting in a 3.2% response rate. The average age of respondents was 35 years. Among those, 671 patients (86%) were using non-pharmacological therapies for endometriosis-related pain. The most common treatments included osteopathy (56%), anti-inflammatory diet (56%), sophrology (46%), yoga (46%), and physiotherapy (42%), with many using multiple treatments. Satisfaction levels ranged from 69% to 27%, with osteopathy and yoga being the most appreciated. Furthermore, 58% of patients reported reducing their conventional analgesic intake. Despite the widespread use of complementary therapies and 83% of patients discussing them with healthcare providers, 43% of respondents expressed distrust in their doctors regarding these therapies.

Conclusion

Complementary medicine is commonly utilized by women with endometriosis to alleviate pain, potentially decreasing reliance on conventional medications. As such, it represents a valuable alternative and supplementary option for pain management. Consequently, it should be considered as part of the treatment plan for all women with endometriosis.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Keywords : Endometriosis, Complementary treatments, Dysmenorrhea, Chronic pelvic pain, Osteopathy, Yoga