When you have fibroids, they can affect different aspects of your life. For some people, this means that they can’t have sex the way they used to. While the specific issues can vary, there are a few that can be common for those who have this condition. Whichever problems you encounter, it’s important to know what they are and how to deal with them.
10 Ways Fibroids Can Affect Your Sex Life
1. There’s Deep Pain
The most common complaint when having sex with fibroids is that there’s a deep pain within the vagina. This is especially likely if your fibroids are close to the cervix.
2. There’s Pressure On The Uterus
Some fibroids are large enough to cause the uterus to become enlarged. When this happens, you’re likely to feel constant pressure and this can make penetrative sex uncomfortable.
3. There Can Be Bleeding
Fibroids generally cause heavy bleeding during menstruation because they place pressure on certain blood vessels. You may be prone to bleeding during sex because of the same issue.
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4. There’s An Effect On The Bladder
Fibroids can also press against the bladder leading to more frequent urination and incontinence. The pressure can make sex uncomfortable when there’s penetration or lead to constant interruptions when you need to use the bathroom.
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5. It Can Affect Your Sex Drive
According to certain studies, fibroids can affect your estrogen levels, which in turn can lead to a lower sex drive.
6. You May Be Tired
If you bleed heavily during menstruation, you’re likely anemic. As a result, you may be tired all the time. Chronic fatigue generally makes regular sex unlikely.
7. Your Periods Can Be Irregular
Fibroids may not only cause bleeding in between periods, but they can also make your periods longer. Over time, it can become difficult to predict when you’ll be ready to have sex because of it. The lack of spontaneity can take a toll on your sex life.
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8. You May Develop Poor Self-Image
Many people who have fibroids report having a poor self-image because of how their bodies change. Fibroids can cause weight gain as well as enlarged stomachs. Both of these issues may make you too self-conscious to be interested in sex.
9. Pregnancy Can Make Things Worse
While there shouldn’t be any bleeding if you get pregnant, the fluctuations in your hormone levels can make fibroids larger. This, in turn, can make sex uncomfortable.
10. They May Limit Your Options
Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, certain sex positions can range from being uncomfortable to being significantly painful. If this happens with positions that you used to enjoy, you’re less likely to be in the mood for sex.
How To Have Better Sex
According to the experts, the first step to having better sex with fibroids is honest communication with your partner. They need to know how the condition affects intimacy as well as the effect it has on your mental wellbeing. Once that is done, you should explore different ways of being intimate that don’t always include penetrative sex. This can include external stimulation or mutual masturbation. For penetrative intimacy, consider trying positions that won’t put as much pressure on the uterus or give deep penetration that can lead to pain or bleeding.
Some of the sex positions that doctors recommend are lying on your side and placing a pillow under your buttocks during missionary. Depending on where your fibroids are, having sex in the doggy-style position can be pleasurable. This list isn’t exhaustive, though, so you can try different positions to see what works for you.
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When To See Your Doctor
Everybody’s experience with fibroids isn’t the same. For some people, the symptoms are mild so it’s not hard for them to make simple changes to their sexual routines to have a good sex life. For others, the symptoms progress to a point where they need medical intervention. Some of the signs that you need to see your doctor include excruciating pain during or after sex, persistent bleeding during or after sex, continuous pelvic pain, continuous back pain, and worsening incontinence. At this point, your doctor may want to discuss your treatment options for dealing with your fibroids. Hormone therapy is the most likely first step but you may also qualify for surgical treatment depending on the location or size of your fibroids.
Many Americans get diagnosed with fibroids each year - especially if they’re Black. While some people don’t have any noticeable symptoms, others can expect the condition to affect their daily lives. When it comes to your sex life, you may experience pain, pressure, and bleeding that make sex difficult. Fortunately, you can find ways to be intimate with your partner. If things get worse, though, you need to talk to your doctor about treatment as soon as possible.
