Navigating sex and dealing with PCOS and endometriosis has been quite the never ending battle you could say. With saying that… until recently I have not put in the time my body deserved in understanding the somatic/physical response between the conditions and my sex life. It is so important to understand not only the physical but also the deep rooted embodied response as well. 

Speaking up when sex is painful can feel near impossible, especially when we’re conditioned to just “deal with it.” Shame-free pleasure is about letting go of culturally-engrained narratives we’re conditioned to abide by, and self-advocating not only during the best of times but during the hard times too. It’s often assumed that communicating boundaries is a bad thing, when in fact it sets a foundation of trust so that both partners can fully relax and enjoy.

This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Maxine Orange, founder of Tap. Health. who, along with her fiancé, Jaron, have set out to change the experience for those who experience painful periods. What started as a personal search for a solution to alleviate her own painful periods, is now an international mission to help menstruators around the world.

Always keep in mind that your vagina is a) self-cleaning and b) a wonderful microbiome that protects you from other infections. Our bodies are amazing, and it’s important to be familiar with them so we can spot when something is off (like BV). Getting BV can be annoying, but it’s also a reminder to take the time to mend and be kind to yourself. Take yourself to get checked (at a doctor, medical centre or sexual health clinic) if you notice any changes that are out of the ordinary.

As sexual health educator, Jenny Waugh (@sexpositivesexed) says, “Clean & "dirty" are for dishes, not people." Having an STI does not make you a dirty person. Our society often associates people with STIs with words like "loose" or "damaged goods”. Stop 👏 slut 👏 shaming 👏 people 👏 with 👏 STIs!

Adenomyosis is where the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscle of the uterus (the myometrium). Each month or when a person experiences a menstrual bleed, they also then experience numerous microscopic bleeds into the muscle. Adeno can be as painful, if not more painful than endo.

The impact endometriosis can have on your sexual wellness is astronomical! One of the main symptoms associated with endo is pain with sex and for a lot of people affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis, the thought of engaging in sexual activities with themselves or a partner can bring on intense feelings of anxiety! This can make for a really difficult relationship with sexual wellness.