Expert tips to initiate conversations with your partner about endometriosis

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Endometriosis can result in severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, and sometimes bowel movements. It may also make conceiving challenging. A major challenge with this condition is receiving an accurate diagnosis due to its symptoms being similar to other conditions leading some women through years of testing before a correct diagnosis is made. Initiating a dialogue with your better half about your reproductive health, particularly endometriosis may seem daunting but is crucial to ensure good care.

Dr Ankita Kaushal, consultant, fertility and IVF, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar says, "You may fear being a nuisance or feel anxious that they might not comprehend the situation. However, gaining an understanding of the disease and preparing your discussion points in advance could make the process less overwhelming for both parties involved."

Kaushal shares some key tips on how to discuss this with your partner:

Gain knowledge on endometriosis:
Your partner is likely to have queries regarding how endometriosis will influence your physical well-being or potentially affect your relationship dynamics. To provide accurate responses, it's crucial to enlighten yourself about this condition. A good starting point would be consulting with your healthcare provider to understand their recommended treatment strategy and its probable benefits for you. Additionally, inquire about the prognosis including any potential impact on your fertility due to endometriosis.

Wait for an appropriate moment:
Avoid catching your partner off guard with this conversation. Inform them of your desire to discuss endometriosis and mutually decide upon a suitable time and location conducive to such discussions. Ensure that there are no distractions around and it's only you two present in that moment.

Maintain transparency:
Be as candid as possible about the symptoms you're experiencing and how they might affect both of you collectively. Make sure to let them know that issues like pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding could occasionally disrupt your plans together. Also, clarify that intercourse might be uncomfortable due to this condition.

Seek help:
If your partner is having difficulty managing the diagnosis, it's advisable to consult an expert for help. Attend your subsequent doctor's appointment together or arrange a couple's therapy session preferably with a counsellor experienced in handling patients battling chronic illnesses like endometriosis.

Endometriosis can affect sexual life and fertility
Every woman's experience with endometriosis is unique, and for some, it can lead to considerable pain during sexual intercourse. This discomfort could be due to the presence of abnormal tissue, lack of vaginal moisture, or hormonal fluctuations.

Regardless of the root cause, this painful experience can negatively impact your intimate life and put significant pressure on your relationship. The pain caused by endometriosis is not constant; its intensity may vary at different stages of your menstrual cycle or in certain sexual positions.

Try having sex at various times in your cycle to find when it's least painful. Incorporate other forms of stimulation such as touch, massage, or oral sex into your intimate routine. Using a lubricant could make vaginal intercourse more comfortable.

Open dialogue is crucial when dealing with sexual difficulties. Be honest about how you feel with your partner and be receptive to their feelings too. If you're in a committed relationship where starting a family is a shared goal, concerns about fertility due to endometriosis might arise. Assure your partner that while this condition may pose challenges for conception, there are treatments available that can increase the chances of pregnancy. Both partners need to maintain realistic expectations and consider alternative options like adoption if necessary.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.