Sexual Health

Let’s Talk About Sex

Sexual health is not just about when you get it on like Marvin Gaye said. Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. It’s how you think and feel about sex. Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, and it can be significantly impacted by uterine health conditions.

Sexual health can be shaped by the cultural values and messages we grow up with. These beliefs can influence how we seek care, communicate with partners, and prioritize our own pleasure and protection. UCC encourages reclaiming our narratives and making space for empowered, informed decisions rooted in self-awareness, not stigma.

Physical Effects

Pain and discomfort: Uterine health conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause pain during or after sex.

  • Vaginal dryness: Hormone changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable.

  • Bleeding: Abnormal bleeding between periods or after sex can be a symptom of uterine health conditions.

Sexual Function:

  • Orgasm: Difficulty achieving orgasm can be a symptom of some uterine health conditions.

  • Libido: Your hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and how your body feels day to day can impact your libido.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

Body image issues: Black women with uterine conditions often face challenging shifts in their physical appearance that can include bloating, surgical scars, hysterectomy, or other visible effects of medical treatment. The unexpected changes tied to uterine conditions and post-treatment bodies can still feel deeply alienating and affect sexual health.

Relationship strain: Chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and emotional exhaustion are common with conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, and these symptoms can affect intimate relationships. Black women report partners misunderstanding the severity of symptoms or feeling personal guilt and frustration when daily life, mood, or sexual intimacy is disrupted.

Couples counseling research often notes miscommunication, especially when pain and fatigue are invisible. Relationship strain not only intensifies personal stress, but the cultural narrative of “holding it all together” can prevent women from asking for space or help, perpetuating exhaustion and emotional distance.

Addressing Sexual Health Concerns

  • Open Communication: Encourage open communication with partners about sexual health concerns and desires. Practice empathy exercises for navigating pain, intimacy and moods.

  • Regular Check-ups: Emphasize the importance of regular gynecological check-ups for screening for STIs and other health conditions.

  • Self-Care: Promote self-care practices, such as stress management and healthy lifestyle habits, to support overall sexual health. Journaling or group discussion prompts around physical change and embodiment can help you normalize graceful and compassionate body talk.

  • Reframe resilience: Part of healing and navigating our journeys is changing the way we think about showing up. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, and “holding it together” includes asking for help.