What is libido?

Your libido is your sexual interest and desire. Sexual desire will change throughout our lives depending on many factors such as our health, stress levels, mood, satisfaction with our relationship and what else is happening in our lives such as having endometriosis. We all have different levels of libido with some people having a greater desire for sexual activities than others. Some of us will have a low level of desire and this doesn’t concern us, while others may have a high level and that is fine too.  

Low libido is a very sensitive issue and for women with endometriosis a range of factors enter the mix. Between chronic pain, painful sex, taking medication and hormonal therapies, undergoing surgery and dealing with a variety of emotional issues, it is little wonder that sexual desire is affected.

Sometimes reluctance to engage in sexual intimacy can occur on both sides. Your partner may be fearful of hurting you or worried that raising the issue will be upsetting. Rather than ignoring the problem, it is better for the relationship and future sexual experiences to discuss the physiological and emotional changes that result from endometriosis, and to seek help if necessary.

Painful sex

Painful sex (also know as dyspareunia) is common when endometriosis affects the tissue behind the uterus at the top of the vagina. Having this experience of pain with sex not only has an effect on libido but also can lead to difficulties in expression of sexuality as an individual and also as a couple. If you are experiencing pain during sex, speak to your health practitioner or gynaecologist about possible treatments.

Improving your sexual relationship

One of the most important things is to discuss any issues openly. Ask your partner how they feel about your sexual relationship and tell them how you feel. Often we make assumptions that our lack of sexual desire is affecting our partner - but sometimes this is not the case. Where some people want to participate in sexual activities frequently, others may rarely think about it and may even have a similar level of desire to your own.

If your level of libido does worry or distress you or your partner, there are steps you can take to improve your sexual relationship. Remember that there are many reasons why people have sex other than lust or desire. For example it may be because it creates intimacy, or because it's pleasurable. Put some time aside for sex or intimacy when your symptoms are under control. And remember, there are many ways two people can be sexual or intimate with each other that do not involve penetrative sex (just use your imagination).

Seeking help

The most important thing is that you seek professional help if you need to - either alone, or if appropriate, with a partner - from a health practitioner, specialist psychologist or sexual counsellor.

Further resources

Libido - www.healthforwomen.org.au/content/view/43/52/  

Content Updated March 28, 2010