Pain During Sex: What To Do, Symptoms, Treatment and More.

February 23, 2023 |
Pain During Sex

Dyspareunia, often known as pain during sex, is a widespread issue primarily affecting women. It can significantly lower a person's quality of life and cause humiliation and annoyance. We'll look at the symptoms, treatments, and what to do for discomfort during sex in this post.


Reasons Why Sex Hurt.


Sex can be painful for various reasons, from emotional to physical. Here are typical reasons why sex hurts:


1. Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is one of the most prevalent causes of sex pain. Hormonal changes, menopause, drugs, or not being sufficiently aroused before sex are a few causes of this. Without enough lubricant, the friction that results from sex can hurt and be uncomfortable.


2. Infections

A number of vaginal illnesses, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can result in genital swelling and pain. These infections might worsen and lead to additional health issues if not managed.


3. Medical Conditions

Endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease are a few disorders that can hurt while having sex. Medication, surgery, and other treatments are all effective ways to treat these disorders.


4. Vaginismus

This condition prevents penetration by constricting the muscles at the vaginal opening. Consult a doctor for a Vaginismus cure.


5. Vulvodynia

Persistent pain at the vaginal opening, including burning, stinging, soreness, itching, rawness, and pain during sex, is referred to as vulvodynia.


6. Ovarian Cysts:

These fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries are frequently asymptomatic. They can cause pain and bleeding when they rupture.


7. Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine growths that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, and painful intercourse.


8. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is when the tissue that normally in line with the uterus grows in other parts of the pelvis, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. The condition may cause pain during sex.


9. Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, commonly known as painful bladder syndrome, is frequently misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection because it shares many symptoms, including bladder and pelvic pain, pressure, and a frequent urge to urinate. The condition, however, is not an infection.


10. Psychological Traumas

Anxiety, stress, and other emotional issues can make it difficult to relax during sex, resulting in pain.


11. Physical Trauma

Genital injuries, such as those sustained during childbirth or surgery, can cause pain during sex.


Pain During Sex Faced by Women


Pain can occur during or after sex for women, either in the vagina or the pelvis.


Vaginal pain could be caused by:

• Thrush or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or genital herpes.

• Menopause - Changes in hormone levels can cause your vagina to dry, resulting in a lack of sexual arousal at any age.

• Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles in or around the vagina close tightly, making sex painful or impossible. Spermicides, latex condoms, or products such as soap and shampoo cause it.


Conditions that cause pain inside the pelvis include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Constipation

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids growing near your vagina or cervix


Pain During Sex Faced by Men


Here some of the causes of painful sex in men:

• Infections such as thrush, which can cause soreness and itching

• STIs, such as herpes, can cause pain during penetration because the foreskin is pushed back.

• Small tears in the foreskin that are not visible cause soreness and sharp, stinging pain around the tear.

• Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).

• Testicle pain and swelling can sometimes be caused by becoming sexually aroused but not ejaculating (coming); it can also be a sign of an infection, such as chlamydia.


Things To Do


If you experience pain during or after sex, consult your doctor or a healthcare professional.


Dr. Leena will investigate the source of the problem and determine whether you require treatment.


Symptoms


Many symptoms of pain during sex can appear like:


• Extreme pain just at sexual entry (penetration)

• Every penetration hurts, even inserting a tampon.

• Intense agony when thrusting

• Aching or burning pain

• Hours of throbbing aches following sexual intercourse


Treatment


The underlying cause of the discomfort experienced during sex will determine the best course of treatment. Making lifestyle adjustments or employing natural therapies may occasionally assist in reducing pain. Medical care could also be required in other circumstances. Typical forms of treatment include:


1. Medication:

Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with sex-related pain. It may also be advised to use prescription drugs, such as topical anaesthetics or hormone therapy.


2. Vaginal Moisturizers:

Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with sex-related pain. It may also be advised to use prescription drugs, such as topical anaesthetics or hormone therapy.


3. Pelvic Floor Therapy:

Pelvic floor can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and lessen pain during sex. Examples include Kegel exercises and biofeedback.


4. Surgery:

To treat the underlying cause of some conditions, surgical intervention may be required in some instances of pain during sex.


Painful sex typically has a cause; once that cause is found, it can probably be treated. See your doctor soon if you're avoiding sexual activity.


Like mental health issues, many women are reluctant to discuss sexual issues. Yet, they should not ignore this issue; it is essential to prioritise women's sexual health.


The best place to start is frequently with your gynaecologist. If you don't have one, consult Dr. Leena, who is most likely to correctly identify the pain's underlying cause and provide an effective course of treatment.


Common FAQs Related To Painful Sex


1. How Common Is Painful Sex?

About 3 out of 4 women experience pain during sex at some point, making it a fairly typical occurrence. Some women's pain is merely a short-term issue, while others have ongoing issues.


2. Where Is Pain During Sex Felt?

You might experience pain inside your vagina, in the vestibule that is the place around the opening of your vagina, or your vulva. During sex, the perineum is frequently the site of pain. Moreover, you can experience pain in your lower back, pelvis, uterus, or bladder.


3. When Should I Consult A Doctor Regarding Painful Sex?

You should consult a gynaecologist or healthcare provider if you have regular or excruciating discomfort or pain during sex.


4. What Is The Common Cause Of Pain During Sex?

Dryness is the most common cause of pain during sex.


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