ACUPUNCTURE WITH SPECIFIC POINTS IN THE CONTROL OF PELVIC PAIN IN WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, estrogen-dependent gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Its main clinical manifestations include chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility, and significant impairments in quality of life. Integrative and complementary practices, such as acupuncture, have been used as complementary therapeutic strategies in pain management. OBJECTIVE: To identify scientific evidence on pain control strategies using specific acupuncture points in women with endometriosis, considering their effects on quality of life. METHOD: Integrative literature review based on Evidence-Based Practice. Searches were conducted in BVS, SciELO, LILACS and BDEnf databases. Articles published between 2021 and 2026, available in full, in Portuguese, English or Spanish were included. RESULTS: Ten articles were selected and organized into four thematic categories: acupuncture effects on pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea; specific points and therapeutic protocols; impacts on quality of life and emotional well-being; and associated symptoms and functional repercussions. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture with specific points constitutes a complementary intervention with moderate-level evidence, growing in methodological consistency, for the management of chronic pelvic pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis, contributing to improvements in the functional and emotional well-being of affected patients.