Navigating Intimacy: Understanding Painful Sex & Endometriosis
There’s a lot of talk about period pain when it comes to endometriosis, but painful sex is something that cannot be ignored. More than 45% of people with endometriosis report painful sex as one of their primary symptoms, impacting their emotional and mental wellbeing – from their libido and pleasure to their confidence and relationships.
What is Endometriosis?
If you’re reading this, you might already know the basics when it comes to endometriosis, but let's have a little refresher. Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus (a.k.a endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, commonly affecting the pelvic organs. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain.
Understanding Painful Sex
Painful sex or dyspareunia, is a common symptom of endometriosis due to the inflammation and scarring in the pelvic area. It can manifest in various ways for individuals with endometriosis. Some may experience deep pelvic pain, while others may feel discomfort or sharp stabbing sensations. It can also fluctuate with your cycle as well.
Managing the Pain
Redefine sex + pleasure
In society, there is an assumption that sex has to be penetrative, but there are so many other ways to give and receive pleasure. The unfortunate reality is that when we experience pain with sex, our body and brain remembers the experience, braces for the next time intimacy is on the table, which can further worsen the pain. It’s a cycle. Focusing on external stimulation, using toys, positions that are enjoyable, or focusing on other areas of your body that still provide pleasure and intimacy can help to foster a more positive connection with sex.
Communication is key
Open and honest discussions with your partners about endometriosis, your physical limitations, emotional needs, and ways to support you with the pain is really important. Check-ins before, during and after intimacy about positions, speed, what feels good and what doesn’t can also help ensure you and your partners are on the same page.
Start exploring treatment options
Navigating endometriosis can be so overwhelming and at times might bring up feelings of confusion or hopelessness, but there is still a lot that can be done from a naturopathic perspective. Proper nutrition, supplementation, working on the immune system, managing inflammation and optimizing hormones, all play a key role in improving symptoms and preventing its progression. By treating endometriosis with an integrative team of healthcare providers, you can start to work through some of the underlying issues and improve your symptoms, including pain with sex.
A Final Word
I want to extend a heartfelt reminder to anyone dealing with the challenges of painful sex and endometriosis: you are not alone. Pain with sex can take a profound toll, not just physically, but emotionally as well. You may feel frustrated, discouraged, or even isolated at times. But please know that there is support available, and there are compassionate healthcare providers ready to listen, understand, and help you navigate this journey. Your experiences are valid, and you deserve to find relief and reclaim intimacy on your terms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with endometriosis-related pain or intimacy issues, feel free to reach out to the clinic, or book a complimentary consult with me here.
Ready to make a change?
You deserve a healthcare experience that goes beyond symptom management and considers your unique history, symptoms and needs. If you're seeking a better understanding of your condition and are ready for a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your reproductive and sexual health, I invite you to book a free complimentary call with me here.
Be well,
Dr. Jessica Nazareth, ND