Endometriosis and "sex": What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen - Obstetrician-Gynecology Specialist - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease for women of reproductive age. The pain caused by the disease not only brings negative effects to daily life but also significantly affects the sexual activities of many couples.

1. What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age. When infected, the tissue inside the uterus will grow outside the uterus, then encroach on the fallopian tubes. These abnormal growths still function like normal uterine tissue, and they shed and bleed during the menstrual cycle. Because these tissues grow outside the uterus, blood cannot flow out of the body but accumulates. This is the main cause of bleeding, internal infection, and a number of other serious symptoms.
Endometriosis usually involves the ovaries, entire fallopian tubes, tissues in the pelvic floor and intestines. When infected, the surrounding endometriosis tissue can become irritated and cause pain, forming scar tissue and fluid-filled sacs that make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

2. Signs and symptoms of endometriosis

Women with endometriosis often experience the following common signs and symptoms:
Low back and abdominal pain Pelvic pain during menstruation and the pain tends to get worse over time Pain during and after sex Menstrual periods may last longer than usual and have more bleeding Pain when urinating or passing stools during menstruation Blood in stools or urine Vaginal bleeding after sex sex Severe abdominal pain during menstruation Body fatigue during "red light" days Infertility Gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, nausea, diarrhea

3. Endometriosis and the pain of having sex

Every woman has a different experience of the pain caused by endometriosis, because the disease does not only develop in a certain area but can "get lost" to other areas such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or bowel and pelvic floor tissues.
Sex can be most painful if the endometriosis is at the back of the vagina in the lower uterus. Sometimes endometriosis can even stick the vagina to the rectum. Penetration after sex can stretch irritated tissues and cause painful sensations. If the endometriosis is elsewhere, such as on the ovaries, you may have no or less pain during sex.

4. Effects of endometriosis on emotions during sex

Endometriosis not only interferes with sexual activities, but it also affects a woman's emotions and libido. Sex is said to be complete when both people enjoy sublime physical sensations. However, menstrual cramps or pain during sex appear with a constant frequency, making you gradually reduce your desire to have sex, even fear being close to your husband.
In addition, many husbands whose wives have endometriosis share that not meeting their sexual needs causes them psychological inhibition and depression. Since then, the husband and wife relationship has encountered many stress and other emotional disturbances. Some husbands experience problems with erectile dysfunction or performance anxiety after being rejected again and again by their partner. The failure to create excitement during sex makes sperm quality not guaranteed. This is one of the causes of disrupting the conception process, so endometriosis has created a vicious cycle.

5. Measures to relieve pain

First of all, you should be honest with your partner about your pain and illness. While it may be hard for you to talk about the issue, the discomfort will probably be less than the pain you're feeling and suffering alone. Sincere sharing will help the other half better understand your condition, thereby being able to maintain a lasting relationship and partly comfort the pain and discomfort caused by endometriosis.
You should also go to gynecological clinics to discuss your condition with your doctor. Talk to professionals about your pain during sex and any pain symptoms you experience. Your doctor may recommend medication to control endometriosis, or perform laparoscopic surgery, which is the most common treatment. Surgery will help remove all stray cells and completely treat the pain, and increase the chances of conception. After surgery, your quality of life will improve dramatically and sexual activities will be less painful.
Also, to reduce pain during sex, you can find new sex positions or positions with shallow penetration or where you can control the depth that will help ease the pain pain during intercourse.
In particular, you should relax your body, try to keep your mind in the most comfortable state when having sex. Sex helps couples bond and get closer. You can try foreplay through oral sex or mutual masturbation. It will definitely help you feel relaxed, less stressed, and less painful.
Using lubricant is also one of the useful measures to help you reduce pain during sex. Some women with endometriosis use hormone therapy to treat their symptoms. However, this can lead to vaginal dryness, as well as make sex uncomfortable.
Endometriosis now has several treatment methods. The first method is surgical removal of the endometrial tissue mass, which frees up mechanical barriers to conception.
If surgery is not an option, the patient can use intrauterine insemination (IUI). Doctors can combine IUI with controlled ovarian stimulation, to increase the patient's ability to conceive.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also a good option, it can increase the chances of conception, but results depend on each specific case.
Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Formerly a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology at Gia Dinh People's Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. BS has high expertise and strength in the diagnosis and treatment of Obstetrics and Gynecology diseases. Currently a Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

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Article reference source: Webmd.com