Endometriosis is where tissue that normally lines the uterus is found outside the uterus. “Endometrial implants”, as they are referred to, can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, bladder and anywhere else in the pelvis.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are related to pain which can be chronic and disruptive. Symptoms can be described as mild, moderate or severe. Pain is more commonly seen before and during the period and includes painful periods, painful sex, lower back pain and pelvic pain. Also, 40 % of women with infertility have endometriosis. Surprisingly, some women don’t have any symptoms at all!  Women who are not experiencing any symptoms may be “disease free” but it’s impossible to know the extent of endometriosis unless a laparoscopy is preformed to visualize scar tissue or endometrial implants.  The other confusing fact with endometriosis is it can appear microscopic even when performing a laparoscopy.

The onset of symptoms related to endometriosis varies person to person. Symptoms happen as a result of your menstrual cycles. With each period the endometrial implants will bleed no matter where they are located in your body.  The most common symptom is severe menstrual cramps.

Endometriosis is important to be aware of since it is a progressive disease-causing painful sex, pain with urination, pain with bowel movements, infertility, ovarian cysts and pelvic pain which are less frequently thought of symptoms.

Endometriosis and Libido

Women with endometriosis may experience pain with sex depending on where the endometrial implants are located in the pelvis. If the implants are on nerves, ligaments and tissue stretched during sex, pain can be significant and, often, unbearable lasting hours and days afterwards making sex impossible.  The pain during sex can be so horrible that many women will not be able to have sexual penetration.  This can have permanent mental and physical consequences on a sexual relationship.

Intimacy, sex and orgasm often all begin with desire.  If you don’t have any desire you will not be able to have an orgasm-plain and simple, mission will not be accomplished.

Let’s face it a woman’s sex drive is complicated and often challenging to understand.  A low sex drive or low libido is the most common sexual complaint affecting millions of women. Women’s sexual desire and appetite begins in that great organ above the shoulders, rather than the one below the waist. If women with endometriosis experience pain with sex, their sexual desire and libido will be negatively affected.

Endometriosis and Sexual Intercourse

The onset of symptoms related to endometriosis varies person to person. Symptoms happen as a result of your menstrual cycles. With each period the endometrial implants will bleed no matter where they are located in your body.  As a result of the bleeding implant(s), scar tissue or “spider webs” develop in your pelvis causing pain and all the other symptoms related to endometriosis.   As long as you are having monthly periods, endometriosis can return along with all the disruptive and painful symptoms.

Endometriosis and Tips with Intimacy

1. Communication with you partner is so important.  It can be difficult and challenging to talk about sensitive sexual issues but it key in dealing with how endometriosis can interfere with normal intimacy.  The more your partner is informed about the pain and discomfort you are experiencing, the easier it will be for he/she to be supportive and helpful in finding alternative ways to express your sexual concerns leading an improved libido and a healthier sex life.
2. Explore sexual position that are less painful than other positions.  Depending on the pain experienced during certain sexual positions, you and your partner can explore positions that are less painful than others as it relates to endometriosis.   Some sexual positions may be better tolerated than others with those women suffering from endometriosis.
3. Use lubrication with sex. Since vaginal dryness is a common cause of painful sex it’s always best to make sure you have a “go to” vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse.  You don’t want vaginal dryness to be confused with painful sex caused by endometriosis.
4. If sexual intercourse is not an option with women suffering from endometriosis, explore other sexual activities that are satisfying to both partners.  Couples express their love and passion in many ways. If sexual intercourse is not an option, there are many ways to express yourself sexually that can be equally satisfying.