I Need Help With... Painful Intercourse
What To Do About Painful Intercourse
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I love him but sex is always so painful |
Sometimes the question is as simple and innocent as “Why does it hurt during sex?”
You might feel embarrassed or scarred about pain during intercourse or pain after intercourse. You might be experiencing some vaginal dryness (common during menopause), that results in painful intercourse.
Any way you put it, it’s not fun… and it can lead to problems with your relationship is not addressed.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “The truth is that sex isn't pleasurable or pain-free for all women all the time. In fact, many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives, for a variety of very normal reasons. The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia — which is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse and that causes you personal distress. And painful intercourse is worth talking about, because there are treatments that can help eliminate or reduce this common problem.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Causes of Painful Intercourse
There are many causes, and depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing (during penetration or deep pain, for example), the cause can vary.
Most common is inadequate lubrication. As your partner for a bit more foreplay, which can easily resolve this problem. This can be caused by a drop in estrogen during menopause, after childbirth, or during breast-feeding.
You may have also had an injury or surgery that is causing the problem. Inflammation or infection are also causes. Or, maybe you’re having a reaction to your birth control product. This is definitely something we can discuss with you when you come in.
Deep pain usually occurs with deep penetration and may be more pronounced with certain positions. Causes include: endometriosis, uterine prolapse, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids and ovarian cysts.
And, finally, emotional factors can play a role.
Talk to us… It’s important
Many women with persistent sexual pain never seek medical attention. Don't be one of them. If you are experiencing painful intercourse, talk to usr. Treating the problem can do wonders for your sex life, your emotional intimacy and your self-image.