How common is the symptom Pain during intercourse among people with endometriosis?
88,21% of people with endometriosis reported Pain during intercourse as a symptom of endometriosis in our survey.
How common is the symptom Pain during intercourse among people with endometriosis compared to the non-affected group?
24,22% of people with endometriosis suffer from the symptom Pain during intercourse very strong compared to a prevalence of 4,46% among non-affected individuals.
The following table shows the symptom Pain during intercourse in people with endometriosis compared to non-affected individuals. The scale ranges from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very strong).
| Symptom severity | Endometriosis | Non-affected | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| not at all | 11,79% | 59,87% | -48,08% |
| slightly | 13,65% | 17,20% | -3,55% |
| moderate | 25,55% | 14,01% | 11,54% |
| strong | 24,80% | 4,46% | 20,34% |
| very strong | 24,22% | 4,46% | 19,76% |
Based on the datasets, we calculated the Kendall correlation. The following symptoms could be related to Pain during intercourse.
| Symptom name | Correlation |
|---|---|
| Pain after intercourse | strong correlation (67,00%) |
| Vaginismus | moderate correlation (33,00%) |
| Pain during urination | weak correlation (22,00%) |
| Lower abdominal pain | weak correlation (20,00%) |
Pain during sexual intercourse can have various causes. In addition to infections or tumors (including benign tumors), endometriosis is among the factors that can trigger painful sex. Studies have shown that between ten and 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience intercourse as painful. It is therefore very important that if you have pain during sex, you tell your doctor. On the one hand, these pains, in combination with other symptoms, can be a sign of endometriosis that has not yet been diagnosed. On the other hand, there are treatment approaches that can enable you to experience intercourse without pain again.
In endometriosis, mucosal cells that in many respects resemble the uterine lining (endometrium) grow in ectopic locations in the body. These accumulations of mucosal tissue are called endometriotic lesions. They occur primarily in the pelvis but can grow throughout the female body. Regulated by the hormonal cycle, these lesions first thicken and then bleed at the end of the cycle. Depending on the location of the lesions, the blood may be able to leave the body, or it may remain inside. This can lead to cyst formation, adhesions, and scarring.
Pain during intercourse can be triggered when pressure is applied to endometriotic lesions or when adhesions create traction on organs. It is also known that women with endometriosis more often have pelvic floor muscle tension, which can also cause pain. It is also important to know that the pain can occur both during intercourse itself and with a delay afterward.
There are several ways to reduce pain during sex: lubricants, specific positions during intercourse, and extended foreplay can help reduce pain on different levels. Surgical removal of endometriotic lesions can also provide relief. It is important that you discuss the issue with your partner and your doctor. Otherwise, there is a risk that the pain may worsen: anticipating pain and fear of it can also trigger pain or intensify it.