Coping with painful  sex with endometriosis 

The issue of pain with sex with endometriosis is very common and sometimes this leads to women avoiding intimacy altogether.


Many women with endometriosis find that sexual intercourse is painful, both during and after intercourse.  Sometimes the pain can last many days after intercourse and only gradually subsides over time . This situation simply adds more pressure to a relationship which is under strain caused by this disease.  


Painful sex with endometriosis

The pain suffered during sex is often caused by inflammation or adhesion's in the pelvic cavity. Penetration and other movements related to intercourse can pull and stretch endometrial tissue, particularly if it has grown behind the vagina or lower uterus.


Many women find that certain positions are better than others. For example, when a woman is on top, they can control the depth and speed of penetration, allowing them to determine a comfortable pace.


Painful sex with endometriosis

Surgery for painful sex


Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis is the  standard for conservative surgical treatment. However, in cases of painful sex, it is important to specify that there must be a focus on endometriosis which may have infiltrated the anterior and posterior cul-de-sac.

By focusing on these areas, studies have found that upon removal of the endometriosis through excision surgery, patients experience improvements in dyspareunia symptoms as well as quality of their sex life. ( 1 )


Here are some tips that may help:


  • Make sure you are really fully aroused before penetration as it is less likely to cause pain, because you are properly lubricated. 
  • Full arousal also causes the vagina to elongate and the cervix to move further up and therefore you are less likely to hurt sensitive areas, such as the Pouch of Douglas or the pelvic organs. 
  • If you have problems with a dry vagina, try a natural lubricant such as vitamin E oil or Almond oil.  
  • There are products on the market for this purpose, but they do not feel very natural, whereas oils tend to feel nicer.  It is quite safe to use these oils; the rule of thumb  - never put anything on your body that you would not put inside your body.
  • Having penetrative intercourse at certain times of the month. It may be less painful in the week after ovulation, or in the 2 weeks following a period. 
  • Try different positions for intercourse as this will alter the angle of penetration and in turn will alter the sensation of pressure inside your body to other areas 
  • Remember, that you do not always have to aim for penetration to enjoy a loving sexual relationship 
  • Make more special time for love making - have a warm bath together, light some candles, and try to get as relaxed as possible

Try the Ohnut

Ohnut is a new product that has been developed by Emily Saue with the aim to help women who have deep pelvic pain during sex.

Ohnut is a soft wearable set of rings that allows couples to control penetration for comfort.  It acts as a buffer between your partners pelvis and your vagina, so your partner won’t go further than you are comfortable with.

From their product description:

Ohnut has partnered with renowned clinicians to design Ohnut, the revolutionary wearable that allows couples to explore enjoyable penetration depths. Smart, simple, and playful: This comfy wearable is worn externally at the base of a penetrating partner so you can adjust how deep feels good – for both of you.

Product Details

Worn externally at the base of a penetrating partner, Ohnut compresses down to act like a buffer. Each set comes with 4 stacking rings that make it simple to incrementally adjust depths that are not just enjoyable for all, but bring partners closer together.

There has been some very positive and favourable feedback from many who have used the Ohnut. Surprisingly some of this positive feedback comes from the partners of women who suffer from pevic pain with intimacy - so both partners are happy.

To get a $7 discount use code ENDO-SUPPORT7

For more details visit their website at https://ohnut.co 



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My primary aim in writing the content here at endo-resolved is to help readers find solutions to a problem and provide information they are seeking. As part of that, I recommend a few selected products I genuinely believe will be of help. If you click a link to that product and buy it, I will earn a small commission. The item does not cost you any more and helps to support the running of this site.




Keep discussions open with your partner

It is important to discuss the issue of painful sex with your partner. They may not be aware of how much pain you are suffering, especially if you are good at concealing your endometriosis pain on a daily basis. 


Being open and communicating with your partner is vital to help reduce the emotional impact that can occur when intimate relations suffer.    The goal is to foster genuine and open communication, to ensure that sex is pleasurable and free of pain for each partner.

 

References:

( 1 ) Endofoundation



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