FAQs About Endometriosis and Relationships

Endometriosis has a negative impact on almost every aspect of a woman’s life including her physical, social, and emotional well-being. A major downside to the disease is the way in which it can affect personal relationships. However, with the right planning and approach to treatment, endometriosis need not be an obstacle in getting the most out of your love life. Here are some FAQs about endometriosis and relationships.

How can endometriosis affect your relationships?

Although endometriosis primarily affects women, the disease can have a cascading effect on their partners too. The restrictive nature of symptoms and the constant search for effective treatment options can quickly get frustrating for both partners.

Pain during sex may prevent partners from enjoying physical intimacy.

The looming fear of infertility can also put a significant strain on relationships and family life.

Why is it important to be open about endometriosis in your relationship?

Explaining endometriosis and what you are going through physically and emotionally can be difficult. However, it is important to have a transparent conversation in the best interest of your relationship.

How do I begin talking about endometriosis to my partner?

Start by selecting a comfortable place without distractions. If your partner isn’t aware of the disease, begin with the absolute basics such as why periods occur and how you experience symptoms such as pain, heavy bleeding, and fatigue without intimidating them. It may help to rehearse this information before starting a conversation.

What if my partner suspects my role in getting endometriosis?

Endometriosis does not happen because of something you did wrong. And it is not a sexually transmitted disease. There may be a genetic component but no one knows the exact reason why it happens.

Does endometriosis affect libido?

Although each individual has their own level of sex drive, endometriosis can affect a woman’s libido. Factors such as chronic pelvic pain, hormonal therapies, heavy bleeding, and fatigue can all adversely affect your libido.

Is sex painful with endometriosis?

Painful sex or dyspareunia is a common symptom of the disease that can make enjoying sex very difficult at times even leading to disruption in personal relations.

However, it is possible to be intimate and enjoy sex even with endometriosis. Maintain open communication, work out a mutually comfortable sexual position, track your cycles, and be prepared for the possibility of post-coital bleeding. If in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified sex therapist.

Can endometriosis reduce my chances of getting pregnant?

Infertility is a common complication of endometriosis. The disease can drastically affect egg quality and ovarian reserve. Timely treatment and management are essential to improve the chances of pregnancy either naturally or via assisted reproductive techniques.

How can I help my partner seek out practical treatment options?

Arm yourself with knowledge about the disease and help your partner in planning her doctor visits and treatments. Get yourself and your partner to network with support organizations locally and on social media. Find out about advances in diagnostic and treatment modalities such as laparoscopic deep excision surgery and discuss them in your consultations with the doctor.

Do you have any more questions about endometriosis and relationships? Please do not hesitate to ask by leaving a comment on our post on Facebook or Instagram