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Dealing with endometriosis and relationships

 


Endometriosis can have a significant impact on quality of life, not just for women with the condition but also for those who are close to them – including partners, family and friends. 

  • Endometriosis can have a considerable impact on day-to-day life including working lives, childcare, everyday tasks and social lives. This may create an extra strain on couples.
  • Endometriosis can have a significant impact on social lives. Feeling restricted and feeling a sense of loss can affect both partners.
  • Couples may find that seeking an effective treatment is an ongoing battle – this can cause frustration for both partners
  • Couples may need to discuss if and how women would like their partners to help them make healthcare and treatment decisions. They may also need to discuss what partner’s roles will be in consultations if they attend.
  • Women and their partners may have differing views on how endometriosis should be treated and managed. For example, research suggests that men may be more likely to see endometriosis as something that needs to be cured, whereas women may be more likely to see endometriosis as something to be managed long term.
  • Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia) is a common symptom of endometriosis. This can be very distressing for couples, and can result in a loss of intimacy. However, this pain is not the only factor that can affect sex and intimacy for couples. Sex and intimacy might be affected by a range of things including: bleeding during or after sex; general fatigue and feeling unwell; reduced sexual desire because of medication; low mood; the stress of trying to get pregnant; and loss of body confidence and desire.
  • Both partners may experience feelings of guilt and sadness as well as feelings of loss associated with a lack of intimacy, closeness and affection. Partners may also feel hesitant and tentative, and may be reluctant to approach their partner for fear of causing pain.
  • Women may face a difficult choice between avoiding sex or enduring painful sex in order to experience intimacy with their partner.

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