This self-access class explores how endometriosis can affect sexual function, relationships, wellbeing and quality of life, and how psychosexual therapists can respond with greater confidence and understanding.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows outside the cavity of the womb. It can affect sex directly through pain on penetration, and also impact sexual function more broadly due to debilitating pain, resulting exhaustion, effects on fertility, and extensive interaction with medical and surgical treatments. There is also a significant economic impact, as individuals may miss work regularly, lose employment, or be unable to work altogether.
Endometriosis can affect not only the pelvis but also more distant areas of the body. Treatment depends on the location, severity and symptoms, including its impact on fertility.
Additionally, the psychological implications of a diagnosis can be considerable, particularly given the often negative portrayal of the condition in the media. Descriptions of the condition affecting pelvic organs and damaging the pelvis and upper genital tract can make sexual function difficult for both individuals in a relationship. Partners of those affected by endometriosis may also experience changes in libido and sexual function, often linked to concerns about causing pain.
The average time to diagnosis is around eight years, and many women are initially labelled as having a psychosexual problem. It is therefore essential that psychosexual therapists are familiar with the typical features of endometriosis, so they can support those they work with in seeking appropriate specialist care. This training module aims to guide you through the symptoms, specialist treatments, and approaches to managing both the psychological and physical aspects of this condition for those directly affected, as well as their partners.
Class Structure
Introduction to the module:
- Who I am and where I work including our local teams for the Psychosexual and Endometriosis services.
- An insight into IPM specialists and our training.
A Rough Guide to Endometriosis:
- Definition of endometriosis
- Types of endometriosis
- Care of endometriosis sufferers
- Key features of endometriosis.
Treatments for Endometriosis:
- Psychological impact
- Medical and surgical treatments
- Fertility treatments
Sex and Endometriosis:
- Key factors to consider in supporting people affected by endometriosis and their partners.
- Secondary vaginismus, deep sexual pain and the psychological impact of endometriosis.
Case Base Discussions:
Two cases; one with known endometriosis and one referred as vaginismus.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this self-access class, participants will be able to:
- define endometriosis and describe its key features, presentations and types
- recognise how endometriosis can affect sexual function, relationships, wellbeing and quality of life
- identify the psychological, relational and physical impact of endometriosis on those directly affected and their partners
- recognise features that may indicate possible endometriosis in service users presenting with sexual difficulties, including cases referred as vaginismus
- respond more confidently and effectively to clients affected by endometriosis through informed, practical psychosexual support
About the Trainer
Dr Leila Frodsham
Consultant Gynaecologist & Psychosexual Medicine Lead, GSTT
Leila Frodsham is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Psychosexual Medicine Lead at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She is a Menopause Specialist with the British Menopause Society and a core member of the GSTT endometriosis team, working across women’s health, psychosexual medicine, and complex pain conditions.
Leila is a long-standing Seminar Leader at the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM), where she has also served for more than 11 years on council in roles including Programme Secretary, Chair, and Media & Communications Officer. She also holds key educational positions at King’s College London as Women’s Health Block Co-Lead, Transition to F1 Lead, and Senior Educational Supervisor, and is a Foundation Training Programme Director within Postgraduate Medical Education.
She graduated in Medicine from Leicester University in 1995 and has worked across the Midlands, South East Coast, and London. Her research at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital explored assisted conception in HIV-positive women. Her specialist interests include sexual pain disorders, sex and endometriosis, sex and cancer, sex and menopause, tocophobia, and the psychosexual care of neurodivergent, LGBTQ, and global majority patients.
