Sexual intercourse gives pleasure to couples. But sometimes, it can be more painful than pleasurable. Some things can get in the way of intimate time with your partner. There are a couple of reasons for pain during sex, and we’ll discuss them here.
Medically reviewed by Regina Victoria Boyles, MD · Pediatrics
Sexual intercourse gives pleasure to couples. But sometimes, it can be more painful than pleasurable. Some things can get in the way of intimate time with your partner. There are a couple of reasons for pain during sex, and we’ll discuss them here.
Painful intercourse or dyspareunia refers to the recurring pain that women feel before, during, or after sex. The pain can be felt in the vagina, clitoris, or labia.
Dyspareunia is more common in women than men. 75% of women will experience painful intercourse at least once in their lifetime, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Keep in mind that sex is not supposed to be painful. Experiencing pain during sex is not normal. If you feel chronic pain before, during, or after sex, immediately inform your doctor.
Painful intercourse symptoms include:
The pain a woman will feel through intercourse will depend on the positions and the partners she’s going to interact with. Keep in mind that if you feel some kind of pain or discomfort during sex, immediately inform your partner and your doctor.
There are a lot of reasons for pain during sex. Some are physical causes and others are emotional.
Pain during sex can occur due to insufficient lubrication. Vaginal dryness is often a result of lack of foreplay, but other factors may also be a cause, such as childbirth, breastfeeding, or a drop in estrogen levels after menopause.
Certain medications can also affect a woman’s sexual desire, which results in dryness of the vagina and pain during sex. Such medications include antidepressants, birth control pills, and antihistamines.
One of the most common reasons for pain during sex is Vaginismus. It is a condition that refers to the involuntary spasms of the muscles in the vaginal wall.
The tightness of the muscles in the vagina results in painful penetration or no penetration at all.
Past accidents or injuries might also cause dyspareunia. Injuries obtained from past surgeries in the pelvis and episiotomy (an incision made during childbirth) are some of the reasons for pain during sex.
Problems in the skin of the genitalia, such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and other skin disorders, can also negatively affect your intimate moments.
Vaginal infections such as vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), urinary tract infection, and yeast infection are some of the leading causes of dyspareunia.
Vaginal abnormalities since birth also cause pain during sex. These vaginal anomalies include:
Dyspareunia can also occur due to other underlying health problems.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are also major reasons for pain during sex. If you had traumatic sexual experiences in the past, it might trigger fear, stress, and anxiety during sex. These emotions might urge your body to react negatively every time you’re having intercourse.
Another factor that might contribute to the emotional causes of painful intercourse is a woman’s experience of trauma regarding sexual abuse.
Some causes of dyspareunia, either physical or emotional can still be prevented. Here’s what you can do:
Consulting your doctor about discontinuing medications that cause vaginal dryness can also help. Your doctor might also prescribe pills that might help with this condition if you have low estrogen levels.
There are different treatments to address different causes of dyspareunia. All you need to do is to consult your gynecologist to find the culprit that’s been causing pain during intercourse.
Then, your doctor might prescribe medications and treatments, sometimes, surgeries to treat or cure your condition.
Remember not to self-medicate as it can worsen your vaginal problems.
Sex is supposed to be intimate, fun, pleasurable, and gives you that satisfyingly good feeling. However, some women tend to not enjoy this activity due to pain.
If you are aware of what’s been happening in your body, address it immediately. Assess yourself and talk to your partner about your condition.
Having a supportive partner will help lessen your stress and anxiety while dealing with dyspareunia.
Always remember, sex isn’t supposed to hurt. Instead, sex is about enjoying an intimate relationship free from pain.
Learn more about Sexual Wellness here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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