Abstract
Introduction:
Men partners to women-with-endometriosis face long-term challenges to their sex life. The man may perceive responsibility for the sexual pain and be tentative about initiating sexual contact. Relationship discord is also common. The limited studies on the male partner recommend further qualitative research to understand the impact. The aim of this study was to find the sexual impacts on the male partner when his female partner experiences dyspareunia due to endometriosis.
Methods:
Nine male partners, aged between 24 and 42 years, of women diagnosed with endometriosis participated in in-depth interviews which lasted approximately 90 min. The interviews were held by an experienced social worker and psychosexual therapist. Purposive sampling was used to recruit individuals who could provide data specific to their life setting and the research question.
Results and conclusion:
Sexual frequency is an early casualty as men (and women) attempt to avoid the pain of intercourse. Men reported their arousal (erection and ejaculation/orgasm) being adversely impacted due to an inability to be ‘present’ when their partner was experiencing sexual pain. Participants indicated not wanting to initiate any form of sexual activity due to a fear it might lead to dyspareunia. Lower levels of fear were reported where the focus shifted to non-penis-in-vagina sex. All men value good communication about sexual and relationship matters.
Men partners to women-with-endometriosis face long-term challenges to their sex life. The man may perceive responsibility for the sexual pain and be tentative about initiating sexual contact. Relationship discord is also common. The limited studies on the male partner recommend further qualitative research to understand the impact. The aim of this study was to find the sexual impacts on the male partner when his female partner experiences dyspareunia due to endometriosis.
Methods:
Nine male partners, aged between 24 and 42 years, of women diagnosed with endometriosis participated in in-depth interviews which lasted approximately 90 min. The interviews were held by an experienced social worker and psychosexual therapist. Purposive sampling was used to recruit individuals who could provide data specific to their life setting and the research question.
Results and conclusion:
Sexual frequency is an early casualty as men (and women) attempt to avoid the pain of intercourse. Men reported their arousal (erection and ejaculation/orgasm) being adversely impacted due to an inability to be ‘present’ when their partner was experiencing sexual pain. Participants indicated not wanting to initiate any form of sexual activity due to a fear it might lead to dyspareunia. Lower levels of fear were reported where the focus shifted to non-penis-in-vagina sex. All men value good communication about sexual and relationship matters.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-11 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders |
| Volume | 0 |
| Issue number | 0 |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |