The Impact of Gynecological Pathologies on Patients’ Quality of Life from Menarche to Menopause—Literature Review

Abstract

Quality of life represents a key area of concern in every stage of life. It is necessary to pay more attention to the factors or conditions that can negatively affect quality of life. From adolescence until postmenopause, women face a series of gynecological conditions that can significantly reduce their quality of life and which also represent economic problems. We conducted a literature review to present the impact of gynecological pathologies on patients’ quality of life and the tools used to assess these effects. The goals were to increase the attention given to this topic and to encourage health care providers to prioritize patients’ quality of life in the management of gynecological pathologies. Most of the time, gynecological pathologies reduce self-esteem, cause fear, anxiety, and depression, and the feeling of a lack of control may appear. Social life, professional and university activities, relationships, and daily or recreational activities can be negatively influenced by gynecological pathologies. Sexual life and relationships with partners are often affected by the presence of gynecological conditions, especially if they cause infertility. From the effects of dysmenorrhea that occur since the teenage and until the onset of menopause symptoms, women frequently present throughout life a series of gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, uterine fibromatosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic organ prolapse, or urinary incontinence. Understanding the negative effects that these conditions have on quality of life can contribute to more efficient and personalized management of cases.