For one of my followers, the diagnosis of endometriosis comes after almost a decade: “I was given it this year, between 28 and 29, but I started with unbearable pain since I was 19“.
Your case is not an exceptional thing, endometriosis is a disease that affects 10% of women and, according to the WHO and EndoFrance, women who suffer from it take, on average, 7 years to receive the diagnosis.
For those who do not know very well what endometriosis is, it consists of the growth of endometrial tissue – the lining that allows the egg to implant – outside the uterus. A disease that affects quality of life and what I am going to deal with today especially, sex.
The reason this condition is so complex is because, not being able to evacuate those tissues or the blood itself to the outside, causes inflammation of the tissues or even endometrial adhesions, as if it were chewing gum between the organs, so that we understand each other.
The consequences, in addition to pelvic pain during menstruation so intense that it is disabling (and can increase over time), is feeling pain during or after of having sexual relations.
One of the reasons for the late diagnosis is that pain during menstruation has been taken for granted for so long that it is difficult to establish an origin. In fact, most women who discover they have it are because they are trying to get pregnant and endometriosis affects your fertility.
But returning to the most intimate sphere, which is what I wanted to discuss today, for those who suffer from endometriosis. sex becomes a minefieldan experience that should be pleasant, but due to the circumstances it is a source of annoyance.
“I’m dry 90% of the time, unless I’m very excited, even I break a lot of condoms“, “I can’t even have orgasms in peace, because when I’m on my period, after having one, I die,” say some of my followers who share their experience with me.
Penetration, the biggest problem
No two endometrioses are the same, but many of the women who tell me about their sexual life highlight that intercourse is the most problematic practice.
“There are certain postures that I cannot maintain and the pain also depends on the time of the month. It limits us to maintaining the same positions when I am more sensitive to pain or even to stop or not start them directly,” says a follower.
The pain “is only with penetration, it goes inside, near the ovarian area and surrounding areas,” writes another.
In fact, what many do is ignore their body’s signals so that their partner does not notice: “Have you ever I wanted to endure the pain so as not to cut the crapbut I know it’s not right.”
“In intimate relationships you end up normalizing the pain. Fortunately there are more things to enjoy and share and the penetration is one more part of that moment,” writes another follower.
And yes, while there are many practices and it is essential that pleasure be degenitalized, “it is the fact of not being able to choose a practice that I still want because of the pain and not being able to enjoy sex one hundred percent thinking if it’s going to hurt”, appears in another of the reflections I receive.
Intimate health and endometriosis
The cause of endometriosis is not something that is exactly known, but is conceived as a multifactorial disease (which, I suggest, could provide inspiration for researchers looking for fields in which to make discoveries).
But for many, in addition to the years spent battling with doctors to get a diagnosis, receiving feedback from tactless professionals some is something that is also part, unfortunately, of their illness.
“When I’m on my period, sex is not an option. I hardly lubricate naturally and even using gels I only feel discomfort or pain, so I stopped doing it. When I discussed it with the gynecologist he told me ‘Well, then take advantage when it doesn’t hurt‘”, writes a follower.
The alternatives available to women who suffer from endometriosis are not many, but one of them is the Ohnut device sold by Intyessentials.
According to Adnane Kabajfounder of the company specialized in women’s intimate health: “By limiting the depth of penetration, it allows you to avoid contact with especially sensitive or painful areas, which can significantly improve the sexual experience.”
“For people with endometriosis, pain is usually located in the deep and posterior region due to the accumulation of injuries in the uterosacral ligaments. The Ohnut helps reduce penetration in these sensitive areas, improving the intimate experience.”
On the other hand, an added problem that women with endometriosis encounter is discomfort from the use of menstrual cupsince the inflammation can make it painful when inserting, wearing or removing it.
In that sense, Enna’s menstrual disc is an alternative for those who want to stop using pads or tampons: “Thanks to the flat and flexible design of Enna cycle discno vacuum or pressure is generated, which makes it imperceptible when worn,” they say from the brand.
“Furthermore, it is especially beneficial for people with endometriosisas it avoids the additional pressure on the vaginal walls that traditional menstrual cups usually cause.”
Remember that if you have heavy bleeding for more than 7 days, intense pain during your menstruation or have problems getting pregnant, it is recommended that you go for a consultation.
#Sex #endometriosis #positions #maintain
