Woman and Home | The best sex positions when you have endometriosis

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 17 June 2021; Last Updated: 10 September 2023; 2778 Views

Tabitha Britt writing for Woman & Home reached out to me for some insight into sex positions when you have endometriosis, and I was glad to discuss this often misunderstood topic. Here is a brief synopsis of the article, along with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

The best sex positions when you have endometriosis can relieve pain and help you regain control of your sex life

If sex has become more of a chore than a pleasure due to endometriosis, it’s time to regain control of your sex life. These sex positions when you have endometriosis will help relieve and eliminate pain, plus help you to enjoy intimacy so much more.

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition that causes cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb to grow elsewhere in your body. Although endometriosis is usually found within the pelvic region, such as on the fallopian tubes or the ovaries, cells can grow virtually anywhere including the bowel, bladder, and intestines. If this tissue grows behind the vagina or in between the vagina and the front of the rectum, penetration and other intimate movements can stretch or pull it, resulting in pain during sex.

Painful intercourse is a common symptom of endometriosis, but thankfully there are a few tips and tricks that can ease the pain. They can include using a vibrator solo or with your partner, or finding a sex position that feels best for you.

Seeking effective treatment is the first step towards feeling better,”

says Sandra Larson, nurse, relationship expert, and co-founder of My Sex Toy Guide.

If you’re experiencing pain during sex, during your periods, or in between your period and ovulation, talk to a gynecologist,”

she continues.

Secondly, talk to your partner and have them on board. Be open about the disorder and how it’s affecting your sex life. Experiment with different positions and tactics during sex. Guide your partner through what hurts and what feels good, and allow for some trial and error.”

If you’ve spent months (or years) googling, “the best sex positions when you have endometriosis” and wondering how to have good sex when faced with pain, we’re here to help. We spoke to the experts to finally answer our question—what are the best sex positions when you have endometriosis?

Four of the Best Sex Positions When You Have Endometriosis

3. Doggy pillow

What it is: It’s one of the best sex positions out there and can be totally modified to suit your needs when you have endometriosis. There are no rules when it comes to consensual pleasure. So, if the traditional doggy style position is too painful for you to enjoy, consider the doggy pillow or modified doggy style position. To do this, lie on your stomach and add pillows under your torso if that's more comfortable. Then have your partner lie on top of you and enter you.

Why it’s great:

Rear vaginal entry on hands and knees will allow one of their hands to be free to guide their penetrating partner,”

says Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, author of Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide To The Sex Life You Deserve.

If needed, those with endometriosis can also support their torso with a few pillows in this position.”

Make it sexier: Don't want to miss out on seeing your partner’s face during sex? Prop a mirror up in front of you so you can watch them. It can make things even sexier and boosts intimacy.

4. Solo exploration

What is it: Sex doesn't always have to be with a partner, nor does it need to involve penetration, Dr. Jeffcoat points out.

Clitoral stimulation and self-exploration during solo play are safe ways to discover what feels good, and also what hurts.”

Just grab a vibrator, sex toy, or use your hands to find what feels good for you.

Want to know more about the best sex positions when you have endometriosis? Just follow this link to read the full article at Woman & Home.

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Testimonial by R.H.

No one could tell me why I was having pain during sex--sharp pain, not just uncomfortable, pain. I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat after researching several different options. I had seen a specialist who told me physical therapy would not help and my only option was surgery. I really didn't want to go that route, so when we got a referral, I decided to try it--it can't hurt, I thought. I am so glad I did. She diagnosed the problem right away, which was a relief in itself.

To know why I was having pain eased my mind immensely. And to hear that she could fix it without surgery was another relief. She said she could fix the problem in 6 weeks. I think it was actually 4 for me. She was very methodical, and treated me as an intelligent human being capable of participating in my own recovery. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone. She did not try to prolong my session numbers, she worked hard to accommodate my schedule (and the fact that I had to bring a baby to sessions), and she was completely honest the entire time. It is so hard to find someone with these characteristics, much less a professional who is so good at what she does. She has my highest respect.

-- R.H.

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I was in multiple car accidents a decade ago, and I have been to many physical therapists through the years without success. They found the root of my lower back pain problems and after nearly a decade of barely being able to walk I finally can again without pain. They are also the best pelvic floor pts and the only ones who found the connection between my pelvic floor and lower back problems. If you need help with physical pain, they are your answer.

-- Jackie W., 1/19/17 via Yelp!

Testimonial by Jamie M.

I have been going to see Heather for a while now, and I can't tell you enough how much she has improved my quality of life. Heather specializes in issues like pelvic floor, but I see her for other orthopedic issues.
I have a lot of chronic joint pain and dysfunction issues (back, hips, neck) that require that have ongoing physical therapy maintenance. The effects of my problem joints/areas overlap and interconnect with each other in complex ways, so helping me requires really having a complete understanding of the entire skeletal and muscular system. Pain does not always appear where the problem actually is, the human body is a twisty, many-layered puzzle. I have an exercise program I do at home and I am very functional, but there are just something things I need a PT to help me out with.
Read more: Testimonial by Jamie M.

Testimonial by Jamie M.

I have been going to see Heather for a while now, and I can't tell you enough how much she has improved my quality of life. Heather specializes in issues like pelvic floor, but I see her for other orthopedic issues.
I have a lot of chronic joint pain and dysfunction issues (back, hips, neck) that require that have ongoing physical therapy maintenance. The effects of my problem joints/areas overlap and interconnect with each other in complex ways, so helping me requires really having a complete understanding of the entire skeletal and muscular system. Pain does not always appear where the problem actually is, the human body is a twisty, many-layered puzzle. I have an exercise program I do at home and I am very functional, but there are just something things I need a PT to help me out with.
Read more: Testimonial by Jamie M.

Testimonial by Julie T.

Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has honestly changed my life. Before receiving treatment at Femina, I was going doctor to doctor to try and find the answer to my pelvic pain. It has taken me YEARS to find someone that can help fix this. It wasn't until my gynecologist recommended your clinic that I finally felt relief. My pelvic pain is almost gone, and granted I still have a lot more to work on with Laureen (my PT), my original problem is nearly cured. I am so grateful to her.
What is even better is she gave me practical exercises to do at home that were not tedious and provided instant (and lasting) relief. Although I mainly work with Laureen, my interaction with the owner (Heather) has been great. She is very generous, kind, and committed to her business.
It hurts to know there are women out there suffering who will never know or have the opportunity to work with women like Laureen and Heather because this issue is hardly talked about and this field is so rare. I hope more doctors and physical therapists see the value in this work and can relieve more woman of their pain.

-- Julie T., 12/4/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by A.M.

Months after giving birth, it was difficult for me to go from a sitting or lying position up to a full standing position without feeling that I had to remain hunched over until a bit of time had passed to get fully upright. However, after taking Heather’s course, I learned exercises to get my body back to normal. She also showed me correct ways to lift and carry my son as well as put him in/take him out of the carseat and stroller. This class was really beneficial and Heather is a wonderful teacher who made me feel very comfortable.

-- A.M.

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Woman and Home | The best sex positions when you have endometriosis, according to the experts

The best sex positions when you have endometriosis can relieve pain and help you regain control of your sex life

If sex has become more of a chore than a pleasure due to endometriosis, it’s time to regain control of your sex life. These sex positions when you have endometriosis will help relieve and eliminate pain, plus help you to enjoy intimacy so much more.