Horribly! Relationship of almost 6 years ended and my family still asks stupid questions and act so confused like I haven't had severe endo for 21 years. Very triggering and frustrating.

It definitely affects intimacy in the relationship to the point it doesn’t happen for months, which can cause issues in relationships with not feeling close or feeling more like friends. I personally could go without sex for the rest of my life because of how much it hurts. Im extremely lucky and grateful to have a very understanding fiancé. I think being open and honest and having good communication helps this. Friend relationship wise - I’ve lost a fair few friends who just didn’t understand when I’ve had to cancel plans but the ones I have around me now are all those I need 💛

When l was younger it wasn't a problem l would just drink wine for the pain and pleasure out weighed the pain. I am 63 now. I would say last two relationships l tried on for sign it was a deal breaker. They were not very nice people either so life was demanding without understanding. They were people that can't stick with anything anyway no staying power. I was accused of doing stuff in the bathroom that was awful. I got even more uptight. Being uptight and having endometriosis is a double whammy it's just too much to deal with endo and false allegations. I'm getting ready to probably have a procedure it's been like over 20 years and yes endometriosis doesn't go away because you got a hysterectomy that's totally false. If your dr doesn't know that you have the wrong doctor. They have a new procedure called endosee that can be done in the office it goes through your vagina and can see everything with a little camera and the doctor has a screen to look at outside the endosee so nothing intrusive. No more the belly button. Or bikini cuts. I can feel the adhesions and lm sure some lesions because your body does produce estrogen and other hormones even without ovaries a uterus or anything
I go for cat scan tommorrow then blood work next week colonoscopy they should have enough tests to get an idea what's what. Lots of pain in my colon lower it flutters burns .l have GERD and it could be a dual diagnosis . I have heard women with endometriosis can develop ulcerative colitis and l would not be surprised if it's an ulcer. I have been living a stressful life. I eat and it comes right back up.l hope to participate in this group while l go through the process. I always had an endo support group when l had surgery or procedures. I used to belong to endowits l don't know if they exist any longer. I am 63 years old 5 major surgeries so feel free to communicate with the veteran of endo..
Gina

I suffered PMDD from hormonal imbalance, ectopic pregnancies, pain, and other symptoms from about 14 until 33. My Endometriosis wasn't dx until 33. I lost my Dad first. Then many important relationships were effected. I stopped going to school. Which meant I had no friends. Or social life. I'm not going to lie. My life has been broken due to this insidious disease.
I do have a loving and caring partner now, He is my soulmate and best friend. ❤️ He sees and knows how much I have been through and how much I still suffer most days and struggle with all the pain and symptoms.
🌿🌸 -Ali.

I’d say it’s actually brought my husband and I closer. He’s been super empathetic and understanding and believes me about my pain level. He goes with me to most of my Drs appts too ☺️ We both knew before we got married we didn’t want kids but if either of us changed our mind we knew it was open for discussion. I knew if we decided we wanted kids I’d want to adopt anyway (I know it’s a sensitive subject for many, my personal life experiences just brought me to that conclusion). So before my hysterectomy we had one last conversation to make sure we were both good and that was it, we haven’t regretted our decision. Honestly if you’re dating I feel like it could be a good vetting process to see how supportive the other person is. Whoever you’re with should love and support you, illness and all. 💕
Also on the subject of sex, you can make it work. Sex doesn’t have to include penetration if it’s painful. You can both give each other attention that satisfies you without causing pain, but open communication is crucial.