Female sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, is something most sexually active women will experience at some point in their lives. It is only a problem if it is experienced on a regular basis. There are many causes and almost all are treatable.
When intercourse hurts, it can affect marriages and cause severe emotional distress for a woman dealing with this problem. Patience and understanding are important to overcoming many of these problems.
Causes of Vaginal Pain During Intercourse
When intercourse hurts there are many things that go through a woman’s mind. One of the first thoughts will be wondering what the problem is. There are many different conditions that can cause vaginal pain during intercourse and just as many solutions to these problems.
A common problem is lack of adequate lubrication, which could cause the vaginal lining to tear and lead to post intercourse bleeding. Increasing foreplay is one simple solution to this problem. Sometimes though a woman’s body isn’t naturally able to secrete enough lubrication, in which case applying a water based lubricant will solve that problem.
Vaginismus is caused by muscle spams which lead to extreme vaginal tightness. This generally begins as a fear of penetration being painful or sex being considered bad and can lead to painful intercourse or the complete inability to have sex or insert a tampon. This can be treated by practicing with vaginal dilators and through the help of a sex therapist.
Vaginal infections, such as a yeast infection, can also lead to intercourse pain. A doctor will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe an antibiotic or another medication to solve the problem relatively quickly.
Problems with the cervix are caused usually by infections. Because during deep penetration the penis can reach the cervix, if there is a problem, it can cause pain during deep penetrative intercourse. For an infection, a doctor’s advice would be suggested. There could also be problems with the uterus, such as fibroids which can cause pain during deep penetrative intercourse. Again, seeing a medical professional is advised. Problems with the ovaries, such as cysts on the ovaries can also lead to discomfort during intercourse.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus actually grows outside of the uterus and can be another cause of sexual discomfort. Another possible cause could be pelvic inflammatory disease.
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg develops outside of the uterus and can cause painful intercourse. Menopause can also lead to discomfort because the vaginal lining can lose moisture and become dry. There are medications to solve this problem.
Having intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth can also lead to discomfort. It is recommended to wait at least six weeks after childbirth before resuming sex. STDs can also lead to pain or discomfort. An injury to the vulva or vagina such as a tear or cut from childbirth or labor could also cause problems.
Vulvitis, which is an inflammation of the vulva, is a condition that can be caused by chemicals in many soaps. Haematoma of the clitoris is a bruis in the clitoris caused by excessive friction which generally heals in just a few weeks. Vulvodynia is when the outside parts of sexual organs are very sensitive to even light touch. A medical doctor would be able to help with solutions to that problem.
What to do When Intercourse Hurts?
A doctor may be necessary for certain conditions or if there is bleeding, legions, or unusual discharge. A therapist may be necessary for dealing with the emotional aspects causing problems such as guilt or past trauma. Some conditions can be solved in the privacy of the woman’s home at her own pace without medication or therapy.
While working on a solution, a couple can still experience sexual pleasure through other means such as oral stimulation. But it is important to remember that having sex while trying to solve the problem could make things worse in the long run as it could exacerbate the condition or cause a mental block for future sexual attempts. The stress of experiencing pain during intercourse can cause a woman to tighten up, leading to further pain and more tightening at future attempts.
Sources and Further Reading:
Painful Sex in Women on WebMD
Painful Intercourse (dyspareunia) by Dr. David Delvin and Christine Webber at NetDoctor
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