Why there is pain during sex and how to fix it

What is the pain during sex

Dyspareunia is persistent or recurring pain in the genital area. It can occur at any time during sex, as well as before or after it. By sex in this case, I mean any penetration into the vagina. Penis, fingers, sex toys – all this can cause discomfort.

In this case, the pain is different: burning, aching, throbbing, short-term or chronic. It can be felt in the vagina or above it, it can be localized at the beginning of the vaginal canal, along its front or back wall, or give into the anus.

Dyspareunia is a fairly common occurrence that some women get used to for the sake of stereotypes. According to a Swedish study, about 75% of women put their partner’s pleasure ahead of their own comfort and do not interrupt sex, even if they are in pain.

10 reasons why sex can hurt

Problems with lubrication

If natural lubrication is not enough, the mucous membrane can be damaged during sex. This happens if you have not had time to turn on, you have a hormonal imbalance, you are taking certain medications, or your estrogen levels have dropped after menopause, childbirth, or while breastfeeding.

Sometimes problems with lubrication and pain during sex indicate inflammation of the Bartholin’s gland. If the disease is neglected, cancer of the genital organs may even develop. That is why the pain cannot be stopped, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

Operations, ruptures or injuries

These may be the consequences of laparoscopic manipulations, episiotomy, ruptures in childbirth, cesarean section, labioplasty (surgery to change the shape of the labia minora and labia majora) or clitoridectomy (partial or complete removal of the clitoris).

Inflammation, infection

Eczema, sexually transmitted infections, or thrush can all cause pain as well.

Vaginismus

These are painful spasms that appear when trying to penetrate the vagina. The main cause of vaginismus is psychological. Pathology can develop if a girl, for example, has experienced sexual abuse or was brought up in extremely strict conditions.

“Honeymoon Cystitis”

If you had too passionate sex and the penis powerfully hit the front wall of the vagina, you may also experience discomfort, reminiscent of cystitis. Usually this pain goes away on its own.

But please do not confuse it with ordinary cystitis, which is most likely caused by a urogenital infection. To establish the exact cause of discomfort, it is necessary to pass tests.

Vulvodynia

This pathology is similar to vaginismus, only in this case the pain appears in the vulva. Such pain manifests itself even if you just sit. It can occur due to inflammation or pinching of the pelvic nerve.

Vulvodynia is a common consequence of episiotomy delivery and can also occur with sprains. If you suspect it is necessary to consult a doctor and visit an osteopath.

Endometriosis and other diseases

With endometriosis, discomfort is felt deep in the pelvis. Sometimes pain of the same nature is given by prolapse of the uterus (omission of the female genital organs), prolapse of the walls of the vagina, fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Constipation

On the left in the region of the appendages is the sigmoid colon, in which feces are formed. Therefore, any digestive problems can lead to pain during sex. The same thing can happen if you don’t have a bowel movement before having sex.

Uncomfortable position during sex

This situation is easiest to fix – you just need to talk with your partner. Search together for new, comfortable positions for both.

Hemorrhoids

Usually manifests itself in the form of acute pain in the back wall of the vaginal canal, extending into the anus. Feel free to visit a proctologist right away.

How to get rid of pain during sex?

I am 100% sure: sex should be fun. And if something prevents you from getting it, then you need to fix it. First, visit a gynecologist to exclude dangerous diseases, undergo an ultrasound examination.

And if, along with pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea, pain in the anus, or a change in discharge has begun, consult a doctor immediately.

In no case do not use anesthetics: they only stop the sensations, but do not solve the problem.

If there are no diseases in the female part, try to deal with the causes from the outside: change positions, use water-based lubricants, do self-massage of the suture site after an episiotomy. And do not forget about foreplay before sex.

And, of course, do intimate gymnastics. With many of the causes of pain, she copes well. After all, in the classroom you work not only with the vagina, but also with the head: you work through fears and negative experiences.

In intimate gymnastics, you perform stretching and self-massage techniques for the vulva and vagina, thanks to which spasms go away, blood circulation and tissue elasticity improve. Stretching is especially good in the presence of postpartum scars from episiotomy: the feeling of tightness disappears, more natural lubrication appears.

You pump your pelvic floor muscles, get aroused faster, and your body tunes in to sex. The pain passes. Also, intimate gymnastics is simply necessary if you have organ prolapse. In combination with a vacuum, it gives an excellent result without surgical intervention.

Even if the prolapse is in an advanced stage and the work of a surgeon is required, you need to take care of the intimate muscles after the operation in order to prevent a relapse.