My partner has endometriosis – What does that mean for me?

There are two main reasons why it's important for endometriosis to be diagnosed. On the one hand, the diagnosis may come as a relief to both of you. Many women who have endometriosis believe that their “period pains” are normal, and just try to cope with them somehow. Some get the feeling that other people think they’re exaggerating, and start wondering whether they’re simply not tough enough. The diagnosis helps to dispel these misconceptions and feelings of self-reproach.

Knowing that you have endometriosis also means you can start treating the symptoms. The treatment options include various medications, and sometimes surgery too. The most suitable option for a woman will greatly depend on whether she would like to become pregnant. So it's important to carefully consider the different treatment options together and decide which would be best.

You may need to be patient while waiting for the treatment to work. Many women manage to get their symptoms well under control over time. What’s more, these symptoms may go away on their own – or at least improve – after you’ve had your very last period (menopause).

Severe abdominal pain and cramping force women to make changes in everyday life. They sometimes end up having to cancel plans with friends or other appointments. If they have problems sleeping, they might feel tired and weak too, and less able to cope with stress. Women who regularly have to stay home from work because of their pain often feel guilty towards their colleagues. The pressure at work might increase as well. It can be more difficult for them to take care of their children or other loved ones, too.

A further possible symptom of endometriosis is pain during or after sex. It is quite easy to understand why the prospect of pain might reduce a woman’s desire to have sex. Many women who experience pain during or after sex try to avoid it. Some women simply “get on with it” despite the pain because they would like to get pregnant, or are afraid that their partner might feel rejected or even leave them if they don't have sex.

As her partner, it's easy to feel a little rejected or dissatisfied, particularly if you don't understand why she doesn't want to have sex. Knowing that sex is painful for their partner makes many men feel guilty or uncomfortable. For all of these reasons, sexuality can easily become an issue within relationships.

Not being able to get pregnant often adds to the burden. Discovering that a woman’s fertility problems are being caused by endometriosis can lead to mixed feelings: On the one hand, you know what’s causing it, which means there are treatment options. But there is no guarantee that a woman will be able to get pregnant if she has treatment for endometriosis. Many of the effective treatments, such as hormone therapy, actually prevent pregnancy themselves because they have a contraceptive effect.

Endometriosis is a disease that both partners have to deal with together, with mutual understanding for each other’s situations. Treatment may help to relieve the symptoms, but it can also be a burden in itself.

Women find it helpful if their partner takes them seriously and understands how much the endometriosis affects their life. In phases when the symptoms are worse, it’s easier for women to cope if they have support in everyday life. It is important to find out how much support your partner would like to have, and then give her that support if possible. For instance, it’s often a great help if you take on a bigger share of the housework or childcare. You should allow her to take rests and lean on you. Perhaps you could help to distract her too – for instance, by chatting, going on walks, listening to music or watching TV together.

If painful sex is a problem, trying out different positions or techniques might improve things. These may include extended, relaxed lovemaking sessions that don't necessarily involve penetration.

As a partner, there’s no need for you to completely ignore your own wishes and needs. It can take some time to process and understand the consequences of the diagnosis. Feelings like anger (“Why us/me?”), despair, non-acceptance and helplessness are normal. Over time, most partners manage to face the new situation and find ways to live with the problems associated with endometriosis. Although you’re not directly affected by the symptoms, you will probably have to share the burden of the effects they have in your life together.

But it's also important not to ignore your own problems and feelings. You may avoid talking about these things for fear of causing your partner even more distress. It is better to mention your own needs and talk with her about them, though.

If you feel like you're not coping well with your partner’s endometriosis, or you're no longer able to solve problems together, you can get help from others – for instance, through counseling or a support group. You could either have counseling or therapy on your own, or together with your partner.

Caring for each other and being honest with each other are key – for both of you. It is important to shape your lives in a way that focuses on the positive and fulfilling aspects of your relationship rather than on endometriosis and its consequences.