Sexual resilience and wellbeing in individuals with endometriosis
Dr. Dana Menard
University of Windsor
FUNDER: Macedonian Church, WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery Grant, Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI)
DURATION: 2023-2024
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by cells resembling the uterine lining (endometrium) growing outside the uterus, including around the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the rectum, and other locations; it is assocaited with painful menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, gastrointestinal and bladder symptoms, and infertility. There is an urgent need to improve our understanding of this disease and how individuals live and thrive despite it, particularly the sexual wellbeing of this group, as it is known to negatively impact physica and psychological functioning. Using surveys and in-depth interviews, an increased understanding around sexual wellbeing, satisfaction, and resilience will be established in Canadians with endometriosis.
Data collected through surveys and in-depth interviews on the sexual wellbeing, satisfaction, and resilience of Canadians with endometriosis will be presented as in-person workshops to sex educators and healthcare professionals who routinely work with women diagnosed with endometriosis. Findings that help individuals with endometriosis to address this area of their lives will support their overall health and happiness, as well as the functioning of their romantic relationships.
