Painful periods can be a symptom of endometriosis. Many women are still unaware of it and do not report to the doctor, while the disease may threaten their relationship – said participants of the Endometriosis press conference, my partner and me.
An online survey commissioned by Bayer Schering Pharma on a group of 1254 women and 416 men aged 18-30 showed that almost 16 percent menstrual pain for women is natural. Every second woman feels it every time, every third prevents normal functioning. As much as 75 percent of women have to give up physical activity due to pain and stay in bed. Acceptance of pain and lack of awareness that this pain is not something natural make as many as 56 percent women did not report the problem to the doctor.
Meanwhile, from 40 to 60 percent. painfully menstruating women have endometriosis, and among those complaining of pelvic pain, this percentage is as high as 75%. However, 62 percent. women and 81 percent. men have not heard of endometriosis at all. The main sources of medical knowledge of the respondents were the press and the Internet. Only every second woman talked about menstruation with her mother, friend, doctor or partner.
As noted by prof. Antonina Ostrowska, a medical sociologist from the Polish Academy of Sciences, it is important to break the stereotype that menstruation was considered an embarrassing ailment, and the accompanying pain – something natural, not requiring consultation with a doctor.
Endometriosis, one of the most common pathologies of the reproductive organs, is a chronic disease – it consists in the growth of the uterine mucosa, i.e. the endometrium, outside the cavity of this organ. Stray tissue undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle, which in turn causes severe pains during menstruation, but also during urination, defecation or sexual intercourse. In Poland, according to specialists, there may be up to a million women with endometriosis – it occurs in 6-10 percent. women of childbearing age (i.e. between 15 and 50 years of age). From 38 to 50 percent cases of female infertility may be related to endometriosis. The disease can also manifest itself as flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue.
Endometriosis can cause pain during intercourse, and thus – a woman’s dissatisfaction and avoidance of intercourse, which can negatively affect her relationship with her partner. As suggested by sexologist Dr. Andrzej Depko, a partial solution may be to start intercourse before ovulation, when the endometriosis foci are smaller. It is also effective to give up penetration in favor of caresses and to choose a position in which the woman has an influence on the scope of penetration – for example, the rider.
As emphasized by Mariola Kosowicz, a systemic therapist, contrary to what the popular media suggest, each relationship is not easy and never ending work. It is important to develop the best form of communication, understanding and mutual support. Honesty and openness help build a relationship – but uncompromising openness does not work with every partner (PAP)
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