Understanding Uterine Health: A Guide for Male Partners

When your partner is diagnosed with a uterine health condition, it can be a challenging and overwhelming time for both of you. A study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated that when female partners were diagnosed with endometriosis, it required male partners to take on additional support tasks and roles; it also had an impact on men's emotions, with responses including helplessness, frustration, worry and anger. As a partner, how you support her is important to helping her navigate daily life, but we are aware that you may experience a range of emotions too.

Because of the intimate nature of uterine conditions, you will both need to maintain open lines of communication and be honest, up front, and transparent about your thoughts and feelings. Here are some key things to consider:

Emotional Support

Be there for her: Offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Validate her feelings by letting her know that her emotions are normal and understandable. Create a safe space for her to express her feelings and concerns.

Seek support together: Consider attending support groups or counseling sessions as a couple.

Financial Support

Managing finances: It is important to realize that uterine conditions may come with additional and unexpected costs like medications, surgery, therapy, and more. How much you decide to help with this or contribute is a decision between both of you as a couple, but at the very least, be aware that additional financial planning may be necessary to alleviate stress.

Explore insurance coverage: If you are on the same insurance plan, consider reviewing your options to make sure that some costs that may arise can be covered by insurance.

Physical Support

Offer practical help: Assist with household chores, errands, or childcare to reduce her workload, especially when her condition is flaring or she is in pain. Recognize that her energy levels may fluctuate, and take note of activities that require a lot of energy so you can offer assistance when needed.

Encourage rest and relaxation: Create a peaceful environment for her to rest and recharge.

Form healthy habits together: Perhaps you work together to improve your diet and establish a regular exercise routine that you both can do to varying degrees.

Sexual Pain or Dysfunction

Communicate openly: Try to foster an environment in which you both can discuss any changes in sexual desire or performance. These changes can happen even without a uterine condition–we are all human. It can be especially uncomfortable to broach the subject with a condition, but it is better for your relationship to talk it out and find a solution together.

Explore alternative forms of intimacy: Realistically, sex may be more sporadic for women with a uterine health condition, and there will certainly be times when sexual penetration is just not possible. She may even experience unexpected symptoms like bleeding or pelvic pain that scare you or make you uncomfortable. Try not to have a big reaction that will make her feel self-conscious about her body or the experience. Make it a point to be patient and understanding, and focus on non-sexual forms of affection and connection. Also consider using gentle and affirming language that makes her feel better about herself and the situation to reduce negative body image or self-blaming.

Seek professional help: If sexual dysfunction is a concern, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or sex therapist.

Additional Considerations

Educate yourself about her condition: Learn about the specific uterine health condition she is facing—it can be helpful in understanding how she interacts with you emotionally and physically.

Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge her progress and achievements, no matter how small. Managing a uterine health condition can really be a day by day kind of thing. Make sure to be encouraging when you notice she’s managing it well.

Seek support for yourself: It's important for you to take care of your own emotional well-being. The intimate nature of uterine conditions may prevent you from being able to discuss certain things with your friends and family. Consider therapy or counseling where you can talk to a private and trusted source about what she is experiencing and how you feel about it.