Endometriosis and sexuality

Endometriosis and a fulfilling sex life: is it possible? It’s not easy to have a fulfilling sex life when you have a condition that causes severe pain in your lower abdomen. Today, I’m going to share a few tips to help ease that pain and reconnect with your sexuality.

What is endometriosis?

We’re hearing more and more about endometriosis, and that’s a very good thing. But what exactly is it?

It’s a chronic gynaecological condition that affects people who menstruate. The endometrium, the lining normally found inside the uterus, changes with the hormonal cycle. If implantation does not occur (in other words, if the person does not become pregnant), it breaks down and is shed. This process is simply what we call a period.

But in people with endometriosis, this tissue is found outside the uterine cavity and therefore does not break down. It can then cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person.

Symptoms

Chronic pain, which can vary in intensity and frequency, usually occurs during menstruation and/or ovulation, but also during sex (this is known as dyspareunia).

This severe pain can become a real obstacle in everyday life. Dizziness, vomiting, fainting… It also has a direct impact on the intimate lives of those affected. For some, the area is so sensitive and the fear of pain so strong that having sex is simply impossible.

And what about sex?

Naturally, a condition involving chronic pain, irregular hormonal cycles and dyspareunia can have a negative effect on intimacy for the people and couples affected.

Several difficulties stand out. One is a drop in libido, which, according to a survey by Endo France, affects 71% of people with the condition. Another is the fear of acute pain during sex, to the point that many people affected would rather go without.

OK, that’s a lot to take in, and understandably so. But thankfully, we now know there are ways to live better with endometriosis.

How about we start by talking about it?

The first thing to do — and we can’t say it often enough — is com-mu-ni-cate 😉! We all know talking matters for everyone. But here, it’s absolutely essential. Tell your partner about your worries, how you feel, what feels good and what hurts, so you can guide them as best you can.

Who wants a massage?

Endometriosis can sometimes make areas of the body involved in sex, such as the pelvis, feel stiff. Activities like walking and yoga can help restore flexibility and mobility, but massage is also a great way to relax and loosen up the body! As well as creating a romantic atmosphere, it soothes both body and mind. It can help ease the fear of pain, too. Scented oils, massage candles, crackling mousses — take your pick of intimate treats!

Let’s get started!

To spark pleasure without triggering pain, focus first on the external part of the clitoris. Stimulating it with a sex toy, fingers or a tongue lets arousal build gently, giving your body time to relax. The area deep inside the vagina is particularly affected by pain caused by endometriosis. Deep penetration can therefore aggravate and put pressure on these very painful lesions. To avoid putting strain on these sensitive areas, some positions are better suited than others. Choose ones that allow for shallow penetration. For solo play, go for short g-spot sex toys.

One last little tip for everyone: use lube! Endometriosis can cause uncomfortable and painful vaginal dryness. And, quite simply, lube helps prevent the friction and irritation that can make penetration so unpleasant.

I’ll end by saying that, as always, the most important thing is to listen to your body and take it gently! Take your time and do what feels good. That’s what really matters.

See you soon! 💜