How To Talk About Endometriosis With Your Significant Other

When you communicate with your loved one, you should feel comfortable, safe, and heard—regardless of how difficult the conversation may be. Whether you’re discussing where to go for dinner or how many kids you want to have, the line of honest communication is important. And while it may feel uncomfortable or awkward to discuss, the same goes for endometriosis.

Being diagnosed with endometriosis is challenging, but with the right treatment and support, you can live a happy, fulfilling life. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with endometriosis, but aren’t sure how to bring it up with your significant other, the team at ETCOA is here to offer some advice. From education and professional help to honesty and timing, we’re breaking down how to broach the topic of endometriosis with your other half.

Talking to Your Partner

Don’t walk through your relationship feeling like eggshells are going to crack and you’re a burden. Instead, implement effective communication tactics to properly discuss your reproductive health, painful symptoms, and other endometriosis concerns.

Educate Yourself

When you’re diagnosed with endometriosis, your partner will likely have questions about how this chronic condition will affect your health, wellness, and your relationship. In order to answer their questions with as much detail as possible, it’s crucial you educate yourself. Be sure to do your research and ask your doctor in-depth questions about treatments, side effects, and any other concerns.

You can also join support groups and chat rooms to talk with other individuals living with endometriosis. Having a resource such as this right at your fingertips will allow you to gain insight and advice from others who have gone through similar discussions with their partner.

Be Supportive

It’s important to remember that while you’re going through the pain of endometriosis, your significant other is going through the experience with you. Whether that be holding your hand during moments of defeat or treading carefully on sensitive topics, your other half is altering their behavior to be supportive and encouraging.

Unbeknownst to women suffering from endometriosis, men experience a number of the same emotions—anxiety, helplessness, frustration, and sadness—during these times. While it can be difficult to put yourself in your partner’s shoes, you should always work toward actively listening when they’re expressing how they feel.

Seek Professional Help

If it’s become difficult to discuss your condition with your partner or they aren’t coping well with your diagnosis, there are ways to involve them in the process and help them feel more comfortable. First and foremost, invite them to attend a doctor’s appointment with you. By having face time with your doctor, they’ll be more likely to ask any questions or discuss any concerns that have been weighing on them. Hearing the facts from a certified professional will provide that added sense of security.

Additionally, couples counseling with a therapist who specializes in treating those with endometriosis may be a viable option—especially if conversations between you and your partner have been dwindling. During these sessions, you’ll be able to talk about your feelings, concerns, and intimacy troubles with a professional who knows how to guide you through these difficult obstacles.

Timing is Everything

Sharing important news like a pregnancy announcement, a new home purchase, or graduation is always fun to express as a surprise. But informing your partner that you have been diagnosed with endometriosis or your symptoms are worsening isn’t something you should leave for a random moment at the grocery store. Instead, schedule a day and time that works best for both of you—ideally with zero distractions—and have an open conversation about endometriosis.

Be Open & Honest

The most important thing to remember when talking about endometriosis with your partner is that you should always be honest. Let them know what type of symptoms you’ll be experiencing—fatigue, pain, heavy bleeding—and how it could interrupt future plans like having children. Furthermore, you should always be open about when you’re experiencing symptoms, especially painful intercourse.

As you communicate effectively with your partner, you’ll begin to discover new ways to keep the intimacy alive and pivot your usual routines. Rather than going out to dinner every Wednesday, you may decide to order carryout and eat from the couch. The same can be said for intercourse. If sex has become too painful, but you still wish to please your partner, the two of you can work together to create lasting and pleasurable solutions.

Explore Solutions As a Team

Overall, endometriosis affects roughly 10% of women around the world. That’s 190 million women who are experiencing the same pain and difficult conversations as you. What does this mean? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is an entire community of women just like you who are in search of support and guidance on how to talk to their partners about what they’re going through. By implementing the above tips, you can begin to have fluid and insightful conversations with your loved one every single day.

The Professionals at ETCOA Are Here To Help

Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, dealing with an endometriosis diagnosis shouldn’t be something you handle solo. And with the help of ETCOA, you don’t have to. From your initial diagnosis, follow up appointments, and everything in between, we’re your trusted experts in endometriosis care. If you’re suffering from endometriosis and need help managing symptoms, or suspect you may have endometriosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our knowledgeable, compassionate team!

Are You Suffering From Endometriosis? Call Us Today!

If you’re looking to learn more about endometriosis, or find well-deserved support for endometriosis pain, our team is always here to help. We’re proud to offer both in-person and virtual care, so if you reside in Michigan or are from out of state—you receive the care you deserve. Contact us either over the phone at (248) 397-9129 or online and begin your journey to finding relief today!