Physical intimacy should be an enjoyable moment of bonding between the participants, but for some women, sexual intercourse can be painful. The reasons for this are as different as the individual to whom it’s happening. In some cases, it may be nervousness, or the pain may be intermittent and not occur with every encounter. For women who experience physical pain as part of sexual intercourse on a regular basis, further investigation may be necessary. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the reasons women may experience pain during intercourse and what steps can be taken to help relieve it.
What Are The Causes Of Pain During Sexual Intercourse, And What Can Be Done?
Pain during intercourse is known as dyspareunia, a term that describes pain that occurs in the pelvis, labia, or vaginal canal during sex or immediately after. As one of the most reported forms of sexual dysfunction, painful intercourse appears to be becoming more common over time. The reasons for this rise are up for discussion but often can be attributed to the following:
- Patients who are more willing to discuss dyspareunia with their doctors
- Changing Sexual Habits and Behaviors
- Increased occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases
- Postmenopausal thinning of the vaginal walls
- Vulvodynia, a type of pain in the vulva that comes from an unknown source
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Skin irritation in the genital region
- Infections
- Injuries to the vagina
- Vaginismus, a condition that involves spasming in the muscles of the vaginal walls
There are several terms used to describe pain during intercourse, depending on when it occurs and what is happening when it appears. Primary pain is something that has always been a part of the women’s sexual experience. Secondary pain is pain that developed after a period of symptom-free intercourse. Complete pain indicates that the pain is present throughout the entire sexual act, while situational pain depends on the specific details of the encounter. When pain happens at the point of penetration, it is known as superficial-entrance pain, while pain involving the cervix or other parts of the lower abdominal area is known as deep thrust pain.
These terms make it possible for patients to clearly and easily describe the details of their condition and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the same. If you’ve experienced pain during intercourse at any point in your life, and it remains a part of your sexual experience, it’s time to reach out to your women’s health specialist.
What Can Be Done To Treat Dyspareunia?
Pain during intercourse is not a normal part of the sexual experience, so speaking to your specialist should be prioritized. There are a number of treatments, which one is appropriate is based on the source of the pain. For some, the use of lubricants may be sufficient, while hormonal treatment may be called for in other cases. For cases of vaginismus, you may be directed to do behavior therapy that can help ease the spasms. The only way to determine which works for you is to schedule an appointment today and start working with your women’s health specialist!
