Does Endometriosis Lead To A Lack Of Sex Drive?

By HelloLife

Endometriosis and Sexual Desire

Since endometriosis can for many women be very painful, it is completely natural to become less interested in sex. Women with endometriosis often experience deep pain during penetration, as the penis can aggravate and irritate the implants. Intercourse just before menstruation may be painful for women who experience cramping in the week before their period. If you have endometriosis that interferes with normal sexual activity, you and your partner may want to get creative and think of new ways to have sex without painful penetration.

Lack of Sexual Desire

A lack of desire, or low libido, is at best a vague issue. There can be so many underlying causes, such as lack of an emotional connection with a partner, a low self-image, medication, age or depression. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction include a lack of sexual desire, lack of orgasm, pain during intercourse, indifference to sex and lack of lubrication. A woman may be interested in sex, may want to have sex, but cannot orgasm. Or she may not even think about sex, and it's only when her partner says something that it becomes a problem.

Causes of Low Libido

There are many possible causes of low libido, and they can be loosely categorized into psychological and social, physiological and interpersonal categories. A brief overview follows.

Psychological and Social Factors

Depression or anxiety towards sex
Low self esteem or poor body image
Current or past abuse or trauma, sexual or otherwise
Negative feelings associated with sexuality in general, i.e. it's immoral or dirty
Lack of knowledge or understanding of sex and genitalia
Stress

Physiological

Medications, especially anti-depressants
Physical condition such as nerve damage, vaginitis, endometriosis, cystitis, etc.
Vaginal dryness
Age
Pregnancy or recent childbirth

Interpersonal

Pressure or guilt from partner can make you anxious
Lack of emotional or intimate connection
Sexual incompatibility
Partners lack of sexual knowledge or willingness to please

Be sure to see a doctor if you are concerned about an abnormal drop in sexual function. Take into consideration the factors in your life - are you stressed, feeling guilty or depressed? Many women experience fluctuations in desire at different stages of their menstrual cycles. Pressure from a partner can cause a woman to feel guilty and ashamed, which in turn triggers more stress during sex that can lead to a lack of sexual desire and avoidance of sex. Remember that sex should be something you and your partner can enjoy together; it should not be a cause of stress and anxiety. Take time to just be intimate with your partner without the pressure of sex. Feelings of closeness and emotional bond may be beneficial.

[sniplet Endovin]

Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/DS00701