Pain During Sex - What Causes it and How to Overcome It

October 15, 2022 |

Pain during sex can be a massive problem for women, especially those who have never experienced it. It doesn't just affect the moment. It affects your state of mind, mood, and sense of self-worth. There are many reasons why you might experience pain during sex, and in this blog, I'll go over what causes it and how to overcome it.

The signs and symptoms of pain during sex

Women have many potential causes of pain during sex, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. The presence of a problem, however, may be indicated by a few widespread symptoms and indicators. If you experience pain during sex, you must talk to your partner and healthcare provider to determine the cause and find a solution.

Common signs and symptoms of pain during sex for women include:

• • Burning or stinging sensation
• • Sharp or throbbing pain
• • Pain with deep penetration
• • Pain with certain positions or activities
• • Feeling of tightness or tension in the pelvic area
• • Muscle spasms in the pelvic area
• • Abdominal cramping or bloating
• • Fatigue
• • Difficulty climaxing

Possible causes of painful intercourse

There are several possible causes of painful intercourse for women, and it is essential to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Possible causes of painful intercourse include:

• 1. Vaginal dryness: This can be caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, or menopause. Vaginal lubricants can help.
• 2. Infections: Yeast infections, STIs, and UTIs can all cause pain during intercourse. Treatment depends on the specific infection.
• 3. Endometriosis: It is a disorder in which the uterine lining tissue spreads outside of the uterus. It can cause pain during intercourse and other symptoms like pelvic pain and cramps.
• 4. Fibroids: These are growths that can appear in the uterus but are not malignant. They can cause pain during intercourse and other symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.
• 5. Dyspareunia: This is a general term for any pain during intercourse. It can have many different causes, including vaginal dryness, infections, endometriosis, fibroids, and scarring from childbirth or surgery.

Treatment solutions for sexual discomfort

There are many potential treatments for sexual discomfort in women. Some common treatments include:

• 1. Pelvic floor physical therapy: This therapy can help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can improve sexual function and reduce discomfort.
• 2. Vaginal dilators: These devices can be used to gradually stretch the vaginal opening, which can help to reduce pain during sex.
• 3. Lubricants: Using a lubricant during sex can help to reduce friction and pain. Water-based lubricants are typically recommended, as they are less likely to irritate the skin.
• 4. Antidepressants: Medications such as antidepressants can often help to improve sexual function and reduce discomfort.
• 5. Hormone therapy: For women experiencing menopausal symptoms, hormone therapy can often help improve sexual function and reduce discomfort.
• 6. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat sexual discomfort in women. This could involve correcting a physical problem causing pain or discomfort during sex.
• 7. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can often contribute to sexual discomfort.
• 8. Antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy: Antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy can help to ease sexual discomfort in women. Physiotherapists can help to improve the strength and flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles, which can help to reduce pain during sex. They can also teach you how to relax the muscles around the vagina, which can make sex more comfortable.

If you are experiencing sexual discomfort, you must talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing pain during sex, Dr Leena is a pelvic floor expert who can help you. She will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and create a treatment plan to help you find relief. Contact Dr Leena today to learn more about how she can help you feel better during sex.