Psychological and Social Consequences of Endometriosis: A Systematic Review

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting women of reproductive age and is commonly associated with pain, infertility, and substantial health burden. Increasing evidence demonstrates that its impact extends beyond physical symptoms, encompassing clinically meaningful psychological and social consequences. Endometriosis has been linked to elevated risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms, impaired quality of life, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, occupational disruption, and perceived stigma. Methods: A systematic narrative review of the available scientific evidence was conducted. The analysis included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort and cross-sectional studies, qualitative research, and mixed-methods studies addressing psychological and social outcomes associated with endometriosis. The review focused on mental health, quality of life, social and occupational functioning, sexuality and intimate relationships, healthcare experiences, and psychosocial mechanisms related to the disease [1–34]. Results: Across study designs, women with endometriosis consistently exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with the general population [1–3,9,10,18,19]. Quality of life was substantially reduced and closely associated with pain severity, diagnostic delay, and co-occurring mental health symptoms [6,11–14]. Endometriosis was also associated with impaired sexual functioning, relationship strain, and reduced self-esteem [20–22]. Qualitative evidence highlighted experiences of stigma, invalidation by healthcare professionals, diagnostic complexity, and adverse effects on education and employment [5,17,23,28–34]. Emerging psychosocial interventions and support strategies showed potential to improve psychological wellbeing and quality of life [25–27]. Conclusions: Endometriosis is associated with significant and multidimensional psychological and social burden. Optimal management should adopt a holistic approach that integrates medical treatment with systematic assessment and support for mental health and social functioning.