The Effects of Emotional Freedom Technique on Pelvic Pain and Quality of Life in Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective:

The primary goal of treatment for endometriosis (EMS), where pelvic pain is the most significant symptom, is the symptom alleviation. Medical treatment is typically employed until menopause or until pregnancy is desired. The primary outcome of this randomized controlled trial was the reduction in pelvic pain intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included quality-of-life (QoL) parameters assessed using the short form 36 (SF-36) subscales. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFTs) in women experiencing pelvic pain due to EMS.

Method:

The research was conducted using a parallel-group, randomized controlled design. The EFT group received two EFT sessions (45–60 min each) once a month together with affirmation practices lasting 10–15 min at least twice a week. Control group participants performed breathing exercises parallel to the intervention group. Data were collected from 64 women (intervention: 32 and control: 32) presenting with pelvic pain complaints at the Gynecology Clinic of Trakya University between May 24, 2024 and October 27, 2024. Assessments were performed using the VAS and the SF-36-short form. Mixed-model analysis of variance was utilized to analyze the effects of time, group, and the time × group interaction. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Compared with the control group, the EFT group showed a significant reduction in mean VAS pain scores (baseline: 7.34 ± 0.90; 1st month: 6.46 ± 0.67; 2nd month: 4.68 ± 0.53) (interaction η² = 0.323, p < 0.001). Improvements were also observed in SF-36 subscales, including physical functioning, emotional role functioning, vitality, mental health, social functioning, and pain (all p < 0.05), suggesting that EFT may reduce pelvic pain and improve the QoL.

Conclusion:

EFT was associated with reductions in pelvic pain intensity (the primary outcome) and improvements in multiple dimensions of the QoL among women with EMS-related pelvic pain. These findings suggest that EFT may be a beneficial complementary intervention for managing EMS symptoms.