A University of Sydney study into the effects of endometriosis on the sex lives of partners of endometriosis sufferers has faced backlash online for its focus on men who are peripherally impacted rather than those who actually have to live with it.
Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, which can cause extremely painful menstrual pain, chronic pain, pain during sex and infertility.
The study is being undertaken by Masters of Philosophy student Jane Keany and aims to explore the impact that the pain during sex experienced by some endometriosis sufferers has on those that are in relationships with them.
Criticism about focusing on men largely stems from how little is currently understood about the causes of endometriosis and the lack of a known cure, a point many were quick to highlight:
No one will even study endometriosis and how it effects the people who have it. But sure see how men feel about it.
— Imogen Dunlevie (@ImogenDunlevie) May 30, 2017
I’m so pleased that research is FINALLY being done to understand the TRUE victims of endometriosis – the men who can’t get laid… #fuckoff https://t.co/B1lfomirq3
— Eliza Adams (@Eliza_Do_Lots) May 30, 2017
1/10 women have DEBILITATING #ENDOMETRIOSIS. No test, treatment, or cure.
Oh, this affects men? Start a study!???????? https://t.co/ijTllvbVNC
— Gemma Cafarella (@gemmacaf) May 30, 2017
Defenders of the study have pointed out that the University of Sydney’s Sydney Medical School has a dedicated endometriosis research centre, but to those who have been dealing with untreatable chronic pain that is often dismissed by doctors and employers, seeing resources dedicated to how it impacts whether or not men can fuck would be pretty rough.
Photo: University of Sydney.
