Today I’m talking to the incredible Elena of Onna and The Yoni Empire, all about endometriosis-associated dyspareunia, otherwise known as painful sex, and how we can move from healing pain to finally experiencing pleasure. Elena lived with vaginal pain - specifically vaginismus - for seven years before beginning a journey that would lead her to not only heal her own experience of painful sex, but to make it her mission to help others living with dyspareunia. Like many of us, Elena experienced dismissal, misdiagnoses and unacceptable treatment options ranging from shrugs from the doctors to suggestions of cutting her pelvic nerves so she could have sex without any sensation whatsoever.

Many of us experience strains on our relationships with endometriosis, especially when it comes to our romantic relationships - and sex is often one of the key areas of concerns. As someone living with endometriosis-associated dyspareunia, I’ve spent a long time trying to work out how to treat dyspareunia naturally - often as part of my overall approach to endometriosis, which involves the ‘endometriosis diet’, holistic therapies, movement and various other management tools. However, rarely have I actually head on tried to address the problem directly or even with my partner. Elena has helped me with this, through yoni mapping, yoni massage and facing fears and emotions associated with sex.

In this episode, we discuss some of the common causes of pain with sex, Elena’s own journey from painful sex to pleasure and the various methods we can take to begin healing endometriosis-associated dyspareunia. Talking to Elena was such a revelation - this woman has no fear, shame or guilt associated with her own pleasure, and helps others to see they shouldn’t either. Hearing her remarkable experience has given me hope, and I believe this conversation will do the same for you too.

P.S Elena has kindly given This EndoLife listeners 10% off with code ENDO on any Onna product. Just enter the code at checkout. Click here to shop: https://www.onnalifestyle.com/

This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is also supported by The Know Your Endo Endo Toolkit, a practical programme for managing endometriosis by Jessica Murnane. Use the code JESSICA at check out for $15 early bird and standard pricing. Click here to get course info and to enrol: https://knowyourendo.com/program

This episode is additionally supported by The Gluten Free Baking Academy. A four week online course teaching you the tools, recipes, and know-how to confidently bake in the comfort of your own kitchen. You’ll learn to make incredible flatbreads, quick breads, yeasted breads, and sourdough without dairy, gluten, eggs, or ingredients like gums and highly processed starches or flours. To take a free course tour or to enroll, click here.

Links

Onna website - use code ENDO for 10% off any Onna products.

Elena’s Instagram

CURVE yoni mapping toy - use code ENDO for 10% off any Onna products.

Tantric Orgasm for Women by Diana Richardson

The Wild Feminine by Tami Lynn Kent

The Art of Sexual Ecstasy by Margo Anand

Yoni mapping blog post

Yoni massage blog post

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