If intimacy hurts, you can stop and say so. You do not need to push through discomfort or make the evening work at any cost. Whether you have an endometriosis diagnosis or are wondering about symptoms, pain deserves its own conversation.
One possible explanation, not a self-diagnosis
NICE includes deep pain during or after intercourse among symptoms that should prompt consideration of endometriosis. Its guidance also highlights persistent pelvic pain and period-related pain affecting everyday life. [1]
These symptoms can have other explanations. An article cannot identify the cause, and you do not need to decide that endometriosis is the answer before seeking care. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you think you may have it, if symptoms affect daily life or relationships, or if treatment has not helped or symptoms worsen. [2]
What the research describes
A 2023 systematic review by Zhu and colleagues included 13 cross-sectional studies comparing women with and without endometriosis. Overall sexual-function questionnaire scores were lower in women with endometriosis, but results varied substantially between studies. [3]
Cross-sectional studies capture a picture at one time. They cannot establish cause and effect or predict how one person will feel. Nor can this review tell us which treatment will help: it did not evaluate treatment trials. It reported institutional funding and no author conflicts of interest.
The value of this research is recognising sexual wellbeing as part of the health conversation. It does not give you a score you ought to match or a reason to assume that your experience must follow someone else’s.
A short symptom note can help
NICE recommends a pain and symptom diary to aid discussions. You might note when pain occurs, where you feel it, whether it happens during or after sex, and whether it seems related to your cycle. Add how it affects activities or relationships. You can also record questions about previous investigations.
Keep it as simple as you need. Notes are there to support your voice, not become another task you must complete perfectly before an appointment.
If a scan was normal but symptoms continue
NICE says a normal examination or ultrasound should not exclude endometriosis, and referral may still be needed. Ask what a result does and does not rule out, and what the follow-up plan is if pain persists. [1]
Other useful questions could be:
- “What other causes of pain should we consider?”
- “What are my assessment and support options?”
- “How can we include the impact on intimacy in my care?”
- “When should I come back if symptoms continue?”
These are editorial prompts, not a recommendation for a particular test, medicine or procedure. You can ask for explanations and take decisions at your pace.
Keep comfort at the centre
You can choose closeness that feels comfortable, with no obligation to include penetration. If you want someone important to you involved in a care discussion, say so; NICE recommends involving partners or others with your agreement. [1]
Pink Venus is a supplement, not a treatment for endometriosis or painful sex. The review did not test it. For a different aspect of comfort, see our pelvic floor support guide.
Sources
[1] NICE NG73, Endometriosis: diagnosis and management, recommendations. [2] NHS endometriosis guidance. [3] Zhu X et al. (2023), Sexual Medicine 11:qfad026, 10.1093/sexmed/qfad026. Discovered and fetched through Consensus; original open-access paper checked. Sources accessed 31 October 2026.
For adults. General information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Prepared with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed; no clinical review is claimed.