Hi all,

Let me preface by letting you all know I don't have endometriosis, but my girlfriend does. So, I hope this is the right place to ask.

She's honestly the best thing that's happened to my life. Not only is she the warmest, kindest, supportive, and understanding person I know, she also just gets me in a way no previous relationship has.

We love each other very deeply, but sometimes I struggle with her endometriosis. I find it creates an intimacy barrier between us, or rather my fear of her hurting her does. We've tried intercourse a few times, but she's always found it painful, which I've found upsetting as I feel I've hurt her. While she does make an effort I know that her endometriosis limits her drive to be intimate in those ways. 95% of the time I get it, but sometimes I feel a a bit lost and hopeless.

Obviously sex isn't everything in a relationship, but it's an important aspect to me. Is anyone willing to share any experiences of intimacy and endometriosis with me? Also, if you have any perspectives on how a partner can be more supportive with endometriosis, that would be great too.

I know there's not a rule book for this sort of thing, but I'm trying to be as supportive to her as she is to me and my struggles.

Thank you.