Self-Determined Sexual Motivation in Persons with Endometriosis and Their Partners: Dyadic Associations of Autonomous and Controlled Sexual Motivations with Sexual and Relational Well-Being and Pain

ABSTRACT

Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. Affected individuals and their partners report consequences to sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship quality. Previous studies in clinical and non-clinical samples have found that sexual motivation can support or detract from sexual functioning; however, similar investigations are lacking among couples with endometriosis. Informed by self-determination theory, associations between autonomous and controlled sexual motivations with sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction for persons with endometriosis and their partners, and pain in persons with endometriosis were investigated. Couples (n = 54) completed measures of sexual motivation, sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and pain. When persons with endometriosis reported greater autonomous sexual motivation, they were more sexually and relationally satisfied. When persons with endometriosis reported higher controlled sexual motivation, their pain was more unpleasant, and they and their partners were less sexually satisfied. Finally, when partners reported greater controlled sexual motivation, both members of the couple reported significantly lower sexual functioning. While controlled sexual motivation may hinder sexual and relational well-being in couples with endometriosis, autonomous sexual motivation may support them. The findings may inform interventions to promote sexual and relational health in couples with endometriosis.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank other members of the research team who assisted with data collection and the many couples who generously participated in this research.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by an operating grant awarded through the University of Ottawa and its Faculty of Social Sciences’ Seed Funding Opportunity program awarded to SCM.