For women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis, non-coital sexual activities such as petting and oral sex may provide an effective alternative to penile-vaginal sex for reaching orgasm and achieving a more satisfying sex life. In a recent study that surveyed 868 women from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (434 women with endometriosis and 434 women who were part of a control group), researchers found that although the women with endometriosis were less likely than those in the control group to reach orgasm during sexual intercourse, there was no significant difference in orgasm rates during masturbation and non-coital partnered activities between the two groups of women.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) begins to grow outside of the uterus, generally in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. A key symptom of endometriosis is dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, and women with chronic pelvic pain show lower orgasm rates than healthy women. Certainly, the anticipation of possible pain during intercourse can negatively affect desire and the frequency of sexual encounters, resulting in lower sexual satisfaction for both partners.
While sexual satisfaction is highly personal and influenced by a number of factors, the ability to have an orgasm and orgasm frequency are two particularly strong factors in a fulfilling sex life. Fortunately, this study indicates that women with endometriosis are just as likely as other women to experience an orgasm while masturbating, receiving oral sex, or being otherwise stimulated by their partners.
Women and partners whose sex lives are affected by endometriosis or dyspareunia may consider incorporating other sexual activities into their sexual routines to increase desire and satisfaction and decrease sex-related difficulties. Additionally, such couples could seek support for improving their sex lives and satisfaction through sex counseling. A satisfying sex life can improve the quality of one’s life, and it can be attainable for all women.
Resources
Endometriosis – Symptoms and Causes. (2019, October 16). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
Hämmerli, S., Kohl-Schwartz, A., Imesch, P., Rauchfuss, M., Wölfler, M. M., Häberlin, F., von Orelli, S., & Leeners, B. (2020). Sexual Satisfaction and Frequency of Orgasm in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain due to Endometriosis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(12), 2417-2426. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30920-6/fulltext
You may also be interested in...
Blog
What Is Vulvodynia?
April 23, 2024SMSNA
The Impact of Genito-Pelvic Pain Syndromes on Women’s Sexual Functioning
September 11, 2023SMSNA Patients
Does the Menstrual Cycle Impact Sexual Desire?
July 25, 2023Did You Know?
What Is Provoked Vestibulodynia?
January 10, 2023Did You Know?
What Women Need to Know About Pain During Sex
November 15, 2022SMSNA
Treating Dyspareunia in Female Partners of Patients With Inflatable Penile Prostheses
October 23, 2021Blog
The Impact of Deep Endometriosis on Sexual Function Before and After Surgery
March 22, 2022SMSNA Patients
History of Sexual Abuse Increases the Risk of Sexual Pain in Women
October 5, 2021Did You Know?
Why Does Sex Hurt?: A Guide for Figuring Out What Might Be Causing Painful Sex
June 22, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
