Endometriosis and sexuality

Endometriosis and a fulfilling sex life: is it possible? It's not easy to enjoy a fulfilling sex life when you're living with a condition that causes very intense pain in the lower abdomen. Today I'm going to give you some advice to ease that pain and help you reclaim your sexuality.

Endometriosis — what is it?

Endometriosis is being talked about more and more, and that's a very good thing. But what exactly is it?

It is a chronic gynaecological condition that affects people who menstruate. The endometrium, a lining normally found in the internal cavity of the uterus, develops according to the hormonal cycle and is then destroyed and expelled if there is no implantation (meaning if the person does not become pregnant). This process is simply what we call a period.

However, in people suffering from endometriosis, this tissue is found outside the uterine cavity and therefore does not break down. It then causes various symptoms that vary from person to person.

Symptoms

Chronic pain, whose intensity and frequency can vary, generally occurs during periods and/gold ovulation, but also during sexual intercourse (which is what is known as dyspareunia).

These intense pains can become a real handicap in everyday life. Dizziness, vomiting, fainting… and they have a direct impact on the intimate lives of those affected. For some, this area is so sensitive and the fear of experiencing pain is so present that sexual intercourse is simply impossible.

And what about sex in all of this?

Inevitably, a condition that involves chronic pain, irregular hormonal cycles and dyspareunia has negative consequences on the intimacy of those affected and their partners.

Several difficulties emerge. The drop in libido, which, according to a survey carried out by Endo France, affects 71% of those with the condition. But also the apprehension of acute pain during intercourse, to the point that many affected people prefer to abstain.

Well, it's true that all of this is daunting, and understandably so. But fortunately, today we also know that solutions exist to help live better with endometriosis.

What if we started by talking about it?

The first thing to do, and we can't say it enough, is to com-mu-ni-cate 😉! Dialogue is important for everyone, we know that. But here, it's absolutely essential. Share your apprehensions, your feelings, the gestures that feel good and those that cause pain with your partner, so you can guide them as best you can.

Who wants a massage?

Endometriosis can sometimes make certain areas of the body involved in sexual intercourse rigid, such as the pelvis. While some physical activities like walking and yoga can help restore flexibility and mobility, massage is also an excellent solution to relax and loosen up the body! In addition to creating a romantic atmosphere, it soothes both body and mind. It is equally effective at easing the apprehension of pain. Scented oils, massage candles, crackling foams — choose your favourite naughty cosmetic!

Let's get started!

To awaken pleasure without stirring up pain, first focus on the external part of the clitoris. By stimulating it with sex toys, fingers gold a tongue, you'll gently build arousal, allowing your body to relax. The area at the back of the vagina is particularly affected by pain caused by endometriosis. As a result, deep penetration can aggravate and press on these very painful lesions. To avoid putting pressure on these vulnerable areas, some positions are better suited than others. Favour those that allow for shallow penetration. When solo, opt for shorter sex toys for G-spot stimulation.

One last piece of advice, valid for everyone: use lube! Because endometriosis can cause uncomfortable and painful vaginal dryness, but also simply because lube helps avoid the genuinely unpleasant friction and irritation of penetration.

I'll close this article by saying that, as always, the most important thing is to listen to your body and take it gently! Take your time, treat yourself — that's all that really matters.

See you soon! 💜