Let's Talk About Sex
A lot of those of us with endometriosis experience pain with sex. This can cause a variety of problems including lack of intimacy, break down in communication and loss in self confidence.
Painful intercourse is usually caused by stretching and pulling of endometrial implants and nodules located behind the vagina and lower uterus. Sometimes, it is caused by vaginal dryness as a result of hormonal treatment or a hysterectomy in which the ovaries have been removed.
Be sure to try different positions- find out what hurts and what doesn't. Tr different things that can help relieve some of the pain like pelvic floor therapy and dilators. Become comfortable with your body and your partner.
Painful intercourse is usually caused by stretching and pulling of endometrial implants and nodules located behind the vagina and lower uterus. Sometimes, it is caused by vaginal dryness as a result of hormonal treatment or a hysterectomy in which the ovaries have been removed.
Be sure to try different positions- find out what hurts and what doesn't. Tr different things that can help relieve some of the pain like pelvic floor therapy and dilators. Become comfortable with your body and your partner.
Some women say the pain is mild while others describe it as sharp and stabbing. Some report a deep, widespread aching. Many say there’s pain with penetration of any kind, while others say it only hurts with very deep penetration and some women say it only hurts during actual intercourse, others describe pain that lasts for hours after sex, sometimes even up to two days.
For most women, it’s the location rather than the size of the endometriosis lesions that determines the amount of pain that’s felt, according to endometriosis.org. If the misplaced endometrial tissue is behind the vagina and the lower part of the uterus, and affecting uterine nerves or ligaments, intercourse is likely to be more painful because thrusting during sex pushes and pulls at the growths.
For most women, it’s the location rather than the size of the endometriosis lesions that determines the amount of pain that’s felt, according to endometriosis.org. If the misplaced endometrial tissue is behind the vagina and the lower part of the uterus, and affecting uterine nerves or ligaments, intercourse is likely to be more painful because thrusting during sex pushes and pulls at the growths.
Painful Sex
Pain during intercourse is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. In the World Endometriosis Research Foundation's 'EndoCost Quality of Life Study', half of the 931 female participants stated that endometriosis had a profound impact on their relationships; 56% reported painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and 60% of women reported chronic pelvic pain.
The pain can be better or worse at certain times of the month so keeping a diary can help women to identify when symptoms are less intense. Many women experience the most severe pain mid-cycle during ovulation. Ovulation generally occurs between 12 and 14 days before a woman's period starts, so a woman who has a regular 28-day menstrual cycle would count the first day of her period as day one, and avoid sex between days 11 and 15 to minimize discomfort. |
An electronic database research was performed to identify all the studies on the relation between endometriosis and sexual functioning published in the period 2000 to 2016. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. After the screening process, a total of 9 studies investigating the relation between endometriosis and female sexual functioning were considered. Overall, these studies indicated that around two thirds of women with endometriosis have some form of sexual dysfunction not limited to deep dyspareunia. These findings suggest that the global sexual impact of endometriosis requires further investigation, focusing not only on pain during intercourse but also on psychological and relational dimensions, including partner's sexual functioning. Because sexual functioning is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon, the ideal treatment for endometriosis-related sexual dysfunctions should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team composed of gynecologists, sexologists, and psychologists/psychotherapists. - NCBI
Orgasms
When you hit the climax your blood rushes to the uterus which relieves the cramps. At the same time, your body releases chemicals that function as painkillers. When you orgasm, your body releases oxytocin and dopamine that can act as pain relievers to help you get rid of the worst period cramps. Moreover, having an orgasm helps to get rid of the pent up tension and stress in your body, so you automatically sleep better at night. When you hit the climax, your body also releases endorphins which help ease stress and increase relaxation. Orgasm releases mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin and dopamine-making it a natural and healthy way to fight depression.
Sex Drive
Libido or 'sex drive', varies from woman to woman and can be influenced by a range of different factors. Sexual desire changes depending on your health, stress levels, mood, and satisfaction with your relationship and what else is happening in your life. You may have a high level of sexual desire or a low level of desire; neither level is right or wrong as sexual desire is a very individual thing.
For women with endometriosis, a range of additional factors enters the mix. Between chronic pain, painful sex, taking medication and hormonal therapies, undergoing surgery and dealing with a variety of emotional issues, it is little wonder that sexual desire is affected.
For women with endometriosis, a range of additional factors enters the mix. Between chronic pain, painful sex, taking medication and hormonal therapies, undergoing surgery and dealing with a variety of emotional issues, it is little wonder that sexual desire is affected.
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