Reddit mentions of Stop Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain: What Every Woman and Her Doctor Need to Know

Have you considered a support group for men dealing with their partners having Endo?

I got diagnosed at 22, I'm now 24 with intermediate endometriosis and adenomyosis considering a hysterectomy.

I came out of a relationship with an unsupportive partner last year. He went with me to laparoscopy, he saw my diagnosis but 3 months later he was convinced I was "faking." He would force me to have sex even when my belly was bloated up and I was bleeding. He kept insisting that my disease wasn't real.

What tore us apart was that he did not believe me. He got frustrated because he thought I would use it as an excuse when that wasn't the case at all. He would stress me out more and that exacerbated my condition. The key is to place no undue stress on your partner and to anticipate her needs and be as much of a caretaker as needed when needed.

I am now with a wonderful man who is supportive in everyday. Some thing he has done to make me feel supported.

1. He never expects sex and when it does happen for us he is very intent on making me happy first so I'm ready and comfortable (like helps or if normal sex isn't possible lots of oral)
   
   
2. Medical marijuana. I'm not sure where you live but it has changed my life. I was at a 8 out 10 pain every single day from my endometriosis and adenomyosis. Now my pain levels are at a 4-5 depending on the day. Women with endometriosis tend to have bad depression and anxiety because of the amount of pain their in, it helps calm me and take my pain away without even using it everyday. I use it 3-4 times a week. If you are in a less progressive place order her some hemhsvision CBD oil, it's one of the only things that helps me.
   
3. Realize this is not about you and do not take it personally. She's sick and she needs help.
   
4. don't forget the little things. Go on amazon and get her a repeatable microwavable hot pack if she doesn't own one and get her stuff for a castor oil kit if she doesn't have one.
   
5. Look at treatment options and educate yourself. Also if you're being inconsiderate it's probably because you're tired and stressed trying to handle it. Self care, know your boundaries, and if you can't be a good boyfriend you need to take a break.
   
   Just know that endometriosis is no joke. Think about your bladder and where it is. Now think about your genitals. Now think about if someone has taken a battering ram and that whole part of you felt bruised while simultaneously blisters were exploding on your insides. Try reading this book by Dr. Cook- It has helped me immensely understand my own condition and my boyfriend has flipped through it now and again for reference.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Endometriosis-Pelvic-Pain-Doctor/dp/0984953574
   
   Good luck, my thoughts are with you. This is tough stuff but there are lots of couples dealing with it! The bottom line is be nurturing, anticipate her needs, and let her know when your out and about that you are considering her pain levels and she is by no means obligated to be out if she feels ill. Let her know you're putting her health first and if anything goes down and she starts to cramp up you can take her straight home to rest no problem. That always makes me feel better when I'm out with my partner. He knows if I say I'm tired it's code for "I feel like shit and I may faint if I don't lay down." He will then deviate from our plan if needed but most of time I just need some CBD and a little ibuprofen and the pain will dissipate.
   
   I'm sorry for your pain and I'm sorry for hers. From one endo sister to another.

Thanks! I think I'll buy her a book on endometriosis so we can look into that more. This one looks promising: http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Endometriosis-Pelvic-Pain-Doctor/dp/0984953574/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373646889&sr=1-1