Many women with adenomyosis experience painful intercourse. This symptom not only causes pain but also leads to obvious problems in relationships.
Taran et al. (2010) state that women with adenomyosis had a higher rate of painful intercourse (17.1%) when compared to women with fibroids (16.0%). Gonzales et al. (2012) state that the occurence of deep dyspareunia in women with both adenomyosis and endometriosis was higher than in women with endometriosis only. Heim (2001) states that deep dyspareunia is often described as “something being bumped into”. This author believes the causes include the presence of endometriosis, adhesions, and pelvic congestion.
In my most recent book, Adenomyosis: The Women Speak, I asked the women in the Adenomyosis Fighters Support Group if they ever dealt with this symptom as part of adenomyosis. Here are examples of some of their responses:
“It was very painful. Now its mostly under control with hormones.”
“Sometimes. But it is always painful afterwards.”
“Yes, very painful. After intercourse, I’m sore for a week and can hardly walk I’m in so much pain.”
“No, but it’s been a while since I don’t really feel in the mood with chronic month long pain and weird bleeding/spotting issues.”
“Absolutely, yes! I’ve complained to doctors for many, many years that there is a large area inside that hurts terribly anytime I have intercourse. I’ve continuously been ignored by medical professionals.”
Adenomyosis Fighters 