Ever Heard of Painful Sex?

Sexual intimacy is intended to be a pleasurable experience that brings you and your partner closer together. When sex becomes unpleasant, you may find yourself doing anything to avoid it.

While painful intercourse can have a significant influence on your life and your relationship with your spouse, it is nothing to be ashamed of. This common issue is one which three out of every four women suffer. Some women suffer discomfort during sex at some time in their life, and this can typically be cured with the appropriate technique.

What Is Dyspareunia?

Pain during sex, also known as dyspareunia, is a persistent or recurring pain that occurs just before, during, or after intercourse. The discomfort is felt in the genital area. Women may experience pain externally in the vulvar region, to the labia (vaginal lips), or at the vaginal opening. Some women experience pain internally, such as in the cervix, uterus, or lower abdomen.

Women are more likely than men to experience pain during intercourse. It can, however, afflict males (male dyspareunia) and women (female dyspareunia) of all ages. It’s a prevalent condition with poor emotional and psychological consequences. Couples may encounter poor intimacy or tension in their relationship in addition to physical pain.

Painful sex can be caused by factors such as underlying medical disorders or infections. It is usually addressed by determining the source of the discomfort.

Types of Dyspareunia

The location of the discomfort can help you decide what sort of dyspareunia you have:

• Intraorbital or superficial dyspareunia (entry pain): This is pain felt at the entrance to the vagina during initial penetration. Lack of lubrication, inflammation, or infection are all conditions that might cause entrance pain.
• Deep pain (collision dyspareunia): This is pain that happens during deep penetration and is exacerbated by particular sexual postures. This discomfort will be felt in the cervix or lower abdomen. Deeper sexual pain is frequently caused by a medical issue or prior surgery.

Pain during a sexual encounter can also be classified as primary, secondary, complete, or situational:

• Primary pain is pain that you have experienced since being sexually active.
• Secondary pain occurs after having pain-free intercourse.
• You are in complete pain if you experience pain every time you have sex.
• Situational pain occurs when pain occurs only at specific moments.

Causes of Dyspareunia in Women

If there is insufficient vaginal lubrication, you may experience pain during sex in many cases. In these cases, the pain can be alleviated by becoming more relaxed, increasing foreplay, or using a sexual lubricant.

If one of the following situations exists, you may experience painful intercourse in some cases:

Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy occurs when the vaginal lining loses its typical moisture and thickness, becoming dry, thin, and inflammatory. Medication, menopause, or other hormonal changes can all contribute to this.

Hypoestrogenic State

Hypoestrogenism is a disorder that affects women who have extreme estrogen insufficiency. Postmenopausal women, that is, women whose cycles are suppressed by hormonal birth control, female athletes with hypothalamic amenorrhea, women under a lot of stress, and women with eating problems are all examples of hypoestrogenic women.

Problems with the Cervix (the opening to the uterus)

At full penetration, the penis can reach the cervix. As a result, cervical issues such as infections can cause pain during deep insertion.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium which is the tissue that lines the uterus develops outside of the uterus.

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a spasm of the vaginal muscles caused by a fear of being damaged or a previous trauma.

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are common and include yeast infections.

Injury to the Vulva or Vagina

These injuries can occur as a result of childbirth or as a result of a cut known as episiotomy made in the perineum, which is the area of skin between the vagina and the anus during labor.

Skin Disorders

Skin conditions that affect the genitalia can cause painful sex.

Psychological Issues

Anxiety, melancholy, and low self-esteem can all cause sexual arousal. If you have a history of sexual abuse, it can exacerbate your suffering during sex.

Ovarian Issues

Ovarian cysts are an example of an issue with the ovaries, and cause pain during sex.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The tissues deep within become inflamed, and the pressure of intercourse produces excruciating pain.

Ectopic Pregnancy

This occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus during pregnancy.

Intercourse After Childbirth

Intercourse too soon after a surgical procedure or childbirth can cause painful sex.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital warts, herpes sores, and other STIs can cause pain during sexual intercourse.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine growths that can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, pain, and uncomfortable intercourse.

Vulvodynia

Chronic pain at the vaginal opening, characterized by burning, stinging, soreness, itching, rawness, and pain during intercourse.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles, which you tighten to stop releasing urine quickly, can become uncomfortably tight. With any type of implantation, it might create an achy pelvic and pain.

Pelvic Floor Injury

A pelvic floor injury, which can occur from vaginal childbirth to badly fitted bicycle seats, can cause pain during sex.

Causes of Dyspareunia in Men

Men, like women, might experience pain if there is insufficient vaginal lubrication during intercourse. This is easily remedied by using a sexual lubricant, however, certain penile diseases can induce painful sex in men:

• Foreskin injury: Rubbing or tearing damage to the foreskin which is the skin that covers the head of the penis can cause pain.
• Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs): Yeast infections, infections under the foreskin, and common STIs such as genital herpes or gonorrhea can all make sex painful.
• Penile abnormalities: Peyronie’s disease and other penis malformations can cause painful intercourse.
• Painful erections: A disorder called priapism can cause painful erections.

Symptoms of Dyspareunia

You may have the following symptoms if you experience pain during sex:

• Sharp discomfort at the time of puncture or entrance.
• Thrusting causes excruciating pain.
• After-intercourse throbbing or aching
• Pains that burn
• Cramps in the pelvis
• Muscle spasms or stiffness

How to Treat Dyspareunia

Some treatments for painful sex in women are not medically necessary. For example, painful sex after pregnancy can be alleviated by delaying intercourse for at least six weeks following childbirth. Make an effort to be gentle and patient. Try water-based lubricants if you have vaginal dryness or a lack of lubrication.

Some remedies for female sexual pain do necessitate the assistance of a specialist. If your vaginal dryness is caused by menopause, consult your doctor about estrogen creams or other prescription drugs. Other reasons of painful intercourse may necessitate the usage of prescription medicines as well.

Sexual therapy may be beneficial in cases of sexual pain where there is no underlying medical explanation. Some people may need to work through difficulties such as guilt, sex-related inner conflicts, or thoughts about prior abuse.

If you experience symptoms such as bleeding, genital lesions, irregular periods, vaginal discharge, or involuntary vaginal muscle spasms, consult a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies for Dyspareunia

You and your lover could attempt the following to alleviate pain during sex:

• Position yourself differently: If you experience intense pain while thrusting, try changing positions, such as being on top. In this posture, you may be able to control penetration to a depth that feels comfortable to you.
• Communicate: Discuss what feels nice and what doesn’t. Say so if you need your companion to go slowly.
• Don’t be hasty: Longer foreplay might aid in the stimulation of your natural lubrication. Delaying penetration until you are completely aroused may help you avoid pain.
• Make use of lubricants: Sex can be made more comfortable by using a personal lubricant. Experiment with many brands until you discover one you like.

Now that you Know…

Just because painful sex is common does not imply that you should accept it as “normal.” Minor aches and pains are probably nothing to worry about, but severe or frequent pain warrants a visit to your doctor.

Sex should be an enjoyable experience, and if it isn’t, don’t be afraid to express your concerns to your spouse and your doctor.