Do you experience pain whenever you have sex? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, 10 to 20% of people experience this type of pain at some point in their lives. There can be many reasons behind this kind of pain during sex. But the good news is all are manageable. Learn the 5 most common reasons behind pain during sex and how to address them in this article. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.
5 Common Reasons Behind Pain During Sex and How to Fix Them
Pain during sex is one of the most common problems that many women experience. Many reasons cause pain during sexual intercourse. Here are the 5 most common reasons why you experience pain during sex:
Not enough lubrication:
When you skip foreplay or aren’t sufficiently lubricated, penetration is going to be painful. This is because your vagina needs to be sufficiently lubricated for smoother penetration. The vagina usually needs 5 to 7 minutes to get lubricated, however, several other factors may be the reasons that you don’t get lubricated enough for pain-free intimacy. It includes:
- Drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth.
- Lack of foreplay.
- Certain medications like antidepressants, high blood pressure medicines, sedatives, antihistamines, and certain birth control pills can lead to vaginal dryness.
Solution: To manage these problems, you can increase your foreplay time and use water-based lubricants for enough lubrication for pain-free sex.
You have an infection (down there):
In case you notice an odd smell or a burning and itching sensation, then chances are you’ve developed genital infections cause severe pain during intercourse. In some cases, women may not experience any symptoms or are unaware of their infections which cause small changes in their vulva or vagina that contribute to pain. These infections include:
- Genital herpes
- Trichomoniasis
- Yeast infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Allergic reactions
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Viral vaginitis
Solution: Most of these infections are easily controllable and curable with medications. Your healthcare provider will order a few simple tests to find the type of infection and prescribe medications that cure your infection. Usually, antibiotics or over-the-counter medications are prescribed to manage your symptoms.
Vaginismus:
It’s a painful condition that occurs when your pelvic floor muscles involuntarily contract or spasm when something enters the vagina, which makes sex difficult and painful. If your pain improves after penis or tampon removal, then you may have this condition.
Vaginismus has several forms, so symptoms can vary between individuals. It can be caused by medical or emotional factors or a combination of both.
Solution: Its treatments focus on reducing the reflex of your muscles that cause this condition when you tense up. Treatments also address your anxiety or fears that lead to vaginismus.
Treatment includes:
- Topical therapy: Your healthcare provider may recommend topical lidocaine or compounded creams to manage your pain with this condition.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Your healthcare provider may recommend several exercises to relax pelvic floor muscles.
- Vaginal dilator therapy: These are tube-shaped devices that are available in different sizes whose primary purpose is to stretch the vagina. Your provider recommends first applying a topical numbing cream outside the vagina for easier insertion.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is recommended to manage your thoughts that affect your emotions and behaviors which contribute to vaginismus.
- Sex therapy: Sex therapists work with you and your partner to help you understand each other and achieve pleasure again in your sexual relationships.
You’re stressed:
Whenever you are stressed, take that tension in bed with you. You mostly feel disinterested in sex, which can trigger a tightening of pelvic floor muscles, and result in pain during sex.
Solution: You can manage your stress by learning stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, mindful meditation, deep breathing, etc. If these techniques don’t help, consult with your healthcare provider who may recommend taking CBT or sex therapy.
You’re going through menopause:
Menopause is a natural state that occurs with time when the vagina and vulva become more sensitive and lose natural lubrication due to hormonal fluctuations. This makes the vagina thin and dry which causes pain during sex.
Solution: Menopause symptoms are manageable with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes. Your doctor examines your symptoms to rule out possible causes and create a treatment plan accordingly.
When should you see a doctor?
If you’re experiencing frequent pain during sex that won’t bulge, then you seek medical help. You can experience different types of pain during sex, including:
- Deep pain
- Burning pain
- Aching pain
- Pain only at vagina entry.
- Penetrative pain even when using a tampon.
Pain during sex is not normal, if it happens then it may have a reason behind it. All reasons behind pain during sex are manageable. So, if you experience pain during sex, then consult with your healthcare provider to find the possible cause and get treatment for having a good sex life.
Your sex life should be pleasurable, not painful, don’t let the pain destroy your moment. Seek help by visiting our gynecological clinic in Brooklyn where professionals keep your treatment private and give you tips that improve your sex life. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center’s best urologist in Brooklyn and inquire about your concerns. Our specialists will work with you in managing your condition. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.
