Endometriosis is a condition where tissue like the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes. If you’re affected by this, you’re not alone. According to WHO, 1 in 10 women at the reproductive age are affected by endometriosis globally. Endometriosis can not only interfere with quality of life, but with the ability to be intimate with your partner. Often any form of penetrative sex can be painful, and a person may prefer to engage in other types of sexual activity.
For Endometriosis Awareness Month, Lovehoney Group has teamed up with sex educator Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd from the United States to provide tips and recommendations for engaging in partnered and solo sex with endometriosis.
Communication is key
Emotional concerns may include disappointment in not being able to engage in sex with a partner, as one would imagine, as well as frustration with your body. Talk with your partner, share your thoughts, and explore the different avenues of pleasure with each other.
“Warm up” before engaging in play
It can take up to 20 minutes for the vulva to be fully aroused. This is important because the vagina elongates when the vulva is aroused, and this can make a big difference in less painful penetrative play.
Have some solo play!
Masturbation can be beneficial for alleviating pain during intercourse as the release of endorphins and happy hormones can help with discomfort. A warm bath with some Epsom salt might also help with pain so that you can enjoy pleasure during masturbation.
Incorporate toys
Below are recommendations for use with partnered and solo sex.
- Penis Bumpers are a great sex toy option for penetrative sex. It helps to minimize the depth of penetration, thus lessening the potential for pain.
- Clitoral stimulation is a great option if penetrative play is painful. The Womanizer Premium 2 is a great clitoral stimulator that uses Pleasure Air technology to simulate oral sex.
- If you are more of a vibration lover then the We-Vibe Tango X is a great option that packs power in a little package. For those who want to try out some penetrative play for masturbation a shorter penetrative toy like the We-Vibe Sync 2 could be a good place to start. It is a dual stimulator that stimulates the clitoris and g-spot at the same time. It also has a remote control as well as an app to allow you to control the stimulation.
Images: Envato
