Navigating Relationships When Endometriosis Is Part of Your Story
Living with endometriosis is challenging enough on its own, but the disease doesn't just affect you—it impacts your closest relationships too. As a chronic disease affecting over 15-20 million people in the United States alone and more than 190 million worldwide; endometriosis creates ripples that extend to partners, family members, and friendships.
Understanding the Relationship Impact
Endometriosis can have a significant negative impact on intimate relationships, which research shows is associated with poorer psychological health for both people involved. In a recent French survey, couples rated the impact of endometriosis on their sexual relations at 4.2 out of 10 and the impact on overall couple's life at 3.6 out of 10. These numbers might seem moderate, but they represent real challenges that couples face daily.
Most studies suggest that the impact on partners can be profound, affecting many aspects of life including sex, intimacy, and the relationship as a whole. This isn't surprising when you consider the wide-ranging symptoms that endometriosis can cause—from severe period pain and chronic pelvic discomfort to fatigue, digestive issues, and potential fertility challenges.
The Partner Experience
Partners of those with endometriosis often experience their own set of challenges. Research has found that partners may experience emotional distress, feelings of isolation, and a sense of marginalization in endometriosis care. Many report feeling helpless when witnessing their loved one in pain, and uncertain about how best to provide support.
Despite these difficulties, some partners have identified positive impacts too. Many describe how living alongside the disease has enabled them to become more sympathetic people and better partners, capable of listening and offering meaningful support. Some couples even report that navigating this challenge together has strengthened their relationship and brought them closer.
Communication: The Foundation of Support
Open communication becomes essential when endometriosis enters a relationship. Here are some practical approaches:
Learn together: Take time to understand the disease, its symptoms, and treatment options. Knowledge is power when it comes to managing endometriosis as a team.
Create a shared language: Develop code words for different needs and pain levels, which can make it easier to communicate when talking becomes difficult due to pain.
Express needs clearly: For the person with endometriosis, clearly stating what kind of support would be helpful removes the guesswork for partners. For partners, expressing when you need support too ensures balance.
Respect boundaries: Understand that symptoms fluctuate, and plans may sometimes need to change. Building flexibility into your relationship helps manage disappointment.
Practical Support Strategies
When symptoms are flaring, simple daily tasks can become challenging. Partners can show support by taking on more household chores, meal preparation, or childcare without waiting to be asked. Other practical support includes:
Attend medical appointments: Going along to medical appointments shows commitment to your partner's well-being and provides emotional support. Taking notes ensures no important details are missed.
Create a comfort kit: Prepare heating pads, pain medication, comfortable clothes, and other items that help during flare-ups.
Plan around the cycle: Using a period-tracking app like MyMonthly can help couples anticipate difficult days and plan activities accordingly.
Be present: Sometimes, just sitting quietly together during painful episodes can be the most meaningful form of support.
Intimacy Beyond Sex
Endometriosis can make sexual intimacy painful or temporarily impossible. Couples who navigate this successfully often:
Expand their definition of intimacy: Explore non-sexual forms of physical closeness like massage, cuddling, or simply holding hands.
Communicate about sex: Have honest conversations about what feels good, what hurts, and which positions might be more comfortable.
Be patient: Understand that sexual desire and ability may fluctuate with symptoms and treatment side effects.
Seek professional help: Most medical centers do not offer sexual or couple's therapy for endometriosis patients, yet these services could be beneficial. Consider seeking out specialized therapists who understand chronic illness.
Self-Care for Both Partners
The disease affects both people in the relationship, making it important for partners to practice self-care. This includes finding ways to manage stress, seeking support from friends or support groups specifically for partners, and occasionally taking time for personal activities and interests.
The Role of Technology: MyMonthly App
This is where tools like MyMonthly come in—the first period tracking app designed specifically for couples navigating endometriosis and painful periods together. MyMonthly helps by:
Allowing partners to track symptoms together to identify patterns
Setting reminders for medication and appointments
Planning activities around anticipated difficult days
Improving communication about symptoms without constant questions
Providing educational resources for both people in the relationship
Research shows that endometriosis has a negative impact on intimate relationships, but partner support is vitally important. Efforts to involve both members of the couple in multidisciplinary treatment can make a significant difference.
Social support has a profound impact on our ability to cope with emotional and physical distress. Studies have found that feeling understood by others about what living with endometriosis means can significantly reduce the perceived impact of the disease.
Remember that navigating endometriosis as a couple is a journey. There will be challenging days, but with mutual understanding, communication, and practical support, many couples find they can build an even stronger relationship through facing this challenge together.
Download the MyMonthly app today to start tracking symptoms together and transform how you navigate endometriosis as a couple.
This blog post is based on current research about endometriosis and relationships. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice tailored to your specific situation.
