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Mallory Oxendine, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, shares powerful insights about maintaining intimacy while navigating the challenges of endometriosis and chronic illness. She offers compassionate guidance on reframing our expectations of sex, communicating with partners, and finding connection despite pain.

• Sex is inherently complex—even without chronic pain—so remove the pressure to make it "easy"
• Expand your definition of intimacy beyond penetrative intercourse using the "playground metaphor" 
• Negative self-talk about your body's limitations creates additional barriers to intimacy
• Partners can best support by slowing down, being present, and checking in regularly
• Both partners' feelings about intimacy challenges are valid and important
• Grieving together about chronic illness can create profound emotional intimacy
• Setting the right environment (lighting, temperature, comfort) helps you stay present
• Grounding techniques like the "take five" method can prevent dissociation during intimacy
• Communication before, during, and after intimacy is essential for both partners
• "I can't truly say yes if I can't say no"—permission to decline leads to more authentic consent

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