Navigating Sexual Comfort for Women with Endometriosis

During Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, awareness is brought to a condition affecting roughly 10% of women in their reproductive years, with the tissue that should line the inside of the uterus growing elsewhere. Despite its prevalence in 200 million women globally, the cause of endometriosis remains a mystery.

Symptoms

Endometriosis can cause persistent pain, particularly during sexual intercourse, a condition known as dyspareunia. Symptoms also cover heavy menstrual flow and painful menstruation, with pain varying greatly among sufferers in terms of location and intensity, influencing sexual activity and desire.

Solutions

Women experiencing pain during sex are encouraged to discuss with partners and healthcare providers to find relief. This can involve describing the pain in detail, exploring hormonal and surgical treatments, understanding pleasurable activities, trying out different sexual positions, using lubricants, and considering non-medical approaches like mindfulness or therapy. Open sexual communication is essential for a fulfilling sex life, even with endometriosis.