Sex with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease surrounded by pain, fatigue, anxiety and often a sense of uncertainty for patients.

Fortunately, people are starting to talk more openly about women's intimate health , and increasingly tailored solutions are being developed. Endometriosis also has a significant impact on sexuality, and this topic is still too rarely addressed by the medical community. This article aims to shed light on the issue and offer some avenues for exploration to help you rediscover pleasure.

How does endometriosis impact our sexuality?

Understanding dyspareunia

Behind this medical term lies the very real pain experienced during sexual intercourse. Although not exclusive to endometriosis, the risk of experiencing it is more than seven times higher for people with endometriosis.

According to the same study, almost half of women with endometriosis experience pain during sex. And as if one piece of bad news wasn't enough, there are different types of dyspareunia.

• When pain occurs during deep penetration, it is called deep dyspareunia .

• When it is the shocks to the penis that trigger them, it is called ballistic dyspareunia.

• Positional dyspareunia will manifest itself depending on the sexual position.

• Finally, dyspareunia of intromission refers to pain at the entrance of the vagina that often stems from apprehension about the pain of penetration. 

Muscle contractions can sometimes cause pain at the end of intercourse. These spasms pull on the lesions and adhesions caused by the disease. 

Endo and libido

Whether deep or not, endometriosis causes pain and greatly impacts women's sexuality. Sexual intercourse is no longer synonymous with pleasure when apprehension sets in.

The fear of pain takes over and leaves no chance for excitement to take hold.

On a self-love level, self-confidence can take a hit. Endometriosis can also create tension in a couple when communication is poor or when the relationship to sexuality is reduced to performance.

Finally, hormonal treatments like the pill can influence our desire . While useful for slowing the progression of lesions and alleviating pain, it can cause libido to drop or skyrocket.

You'll understand that endometriosis is a daily nightmare. It was high time the media, the medical community, and politicians seriously addressed the issue.

Having sex with endometriosis

Beyond penetration

Let us make a reminder that is still necessary: penetration by a penis or an object is by no means a necessary step to experience pleasure.

Contrary to popular belief, a successful sexual encounter is not simply a matter of Foreplay + Penetration = Orgasm. This approach, far too focused on male pleasure, considers foreplay as a mere introduction, when in fact it is an essential step in achieving pleasure.

And thankfully so! Rethinking how you make love, alone or with your partner, opens up a world of possibilities.

• For example, you can focus on stimulating the clitoris with your fingers, mouth, or an object that Puissante keeps secret .

• Also seek out other erogenous zones which, once stimulated, ignite your passion in the blink of an eye. The ears, the backs of the knees, the breasts , or the anus are all places where the skin is thin and therefore more sensitive to caresses.

• Furthermore, there are a variety of positions that are performed without penetration and are very common in lesbian couples. Examples include the Vine, the Scissors, and the Amazon.

Vary the positions

Speaking of positions , you can also look for those where there is no pain. If you know what type of dyspareunia you suffer from or how the pain manifests, you will be able to more easily find the ones that suit you.

• Andromache and the positions where you are on top will allow you to better guide the rhythm and depth of the report.

• The shallow spoon will help you experience pleasure without penetration going all the way to the back of the vagina. 

Maintaining pelvic mobility

Endometriosis causes lesions that lead to scar tissue adhesions capable of damaging the pelvic floor . In practical terms, this means that over time, the pelvis can stiffen and pain can spread to the lower back.

And that's a definite no-go.

Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and targeted yoga exercises will help you maintain this mobility. Focus on stretching your pelvis and hips, and relax your perineum to keep movement in this area of your body. 

Get help from a professional.

Seeking support from a sex therapist is crucial for addressing the psychological aspects of the illness. A behavioral approach will allow you to regain control over your relationship with your body and your sexuality.

In France, the day hospital at the Tivoli-Ducos clinic in Bordeaux and the CHRU of Nancy are the two establishments that fully integrate psychosexuality into their care pathway dedicated to patients with endometriosis.

Working with a professional specializing in pain management is also an option to explore. Depending on your preferences, you can consult a doctor or a sophrologist to learn relaxation techniques. 

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease that often represents a harrowing ordeal for affected women. Between the pain and the medical uncertainty, the road to recovery is long. But pain and fluctuations in libido are not inevitable.

We hope that the suggestions offered in this article will help you improve your sex life and discover how to enjoy a fulfilling sex life. For further exploration, we highly recommend visiting the Endo Lab , which offers solutions for treating the symptoms of the disease.