TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PAINFUL INTERCOURSE

Many women with endometriosis suffer from painful intercourse. The following tips have been compiled from a variety of sources, including personal experience. This is not meant as medical advice. If you have unusual or bothersome symptoms, see your doctor.

• Plenty of foreplay. Prolonging foreplay will relax your muscles and create a more receptive environment.
• Lubrication. Lubrication is absolutely essential. Choose a water-based lubricant, such as Astroglide or Wet Light. Avoid silicone-based or petroleum-based products as these might exacerbate the problem.
• Very slow and/or shallow penetration. Ask your partner not to penetrate deeply until you signal its okay. If shallow penetration is the only type of intercourse you can handle without pain, discuss this with your partner.
• Know when to stop. If it hurts or burns, stop. Also, avoid prolonged intercourse as this is often a cause of pain after intercourse.
• Warm and cold compresses. If it hurts after intercourse, place a warm, wet washcloth on the area. Some women find that a cold compress works better at taking the burn away.
• Try another method. If intercourse is too painful, try another sexual activity. This may happen often or only during specific times of the month.
• Medication may help. Certain types of prescription medications (such as antidepressants) have been shown to break the pain cycle. Additionally, some women find relief by taking a painkiller an hour before intercourse. Ask your doctor if medication might be appropriate for you.
• Communicate with your partner. It helps if your partner knows how you feel and the type of pain youre experiencing. Partners may feel that rejection of sex is a rejection of them. Discussing these feelings openly will help.
• Involve your partner. Bring your partner with you to the doctors office. Ask your doctor to explain specifically why you may have pain with intercourse. It helps when the partner understands there is a real physical reason for your pain.
• Consult an expert. A certified sex therapist or clinical sexologist may be able to help with some concerns, such as finding suitable alternatives if intercourse is too painful to bear.
• Pencil it in. If youre still menstruating, the best time of month to have sex is generally right after menstruation, before ovulation occurs. You might want to schedule something special during these less painful times.
• Control it. To help prevent and alleviate irritated vulvar tissue, consider some of these suggestions:
  • use gentle, chemical-free soap or soap substitute 
  • use gentle detergents free of chemicals and dyes
  • do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets
  • avoid using scented sanitary pads or tampons
  • run underwear through a second rinse cycle
  • rinse your vulvar area after urinating 
  • wear only white cotton underwear
  • avoid bubble baths
  • avoid feminine deodorant sprays or creams
  • do not put powder or talc anywhere near the vulvar area
  • after bathing, pat the vulvar area dry with a cotton towel (dont rub)
  • avoid tight pants and pantyhose