What is painful intercourse?
Dyspareunia is the medical term used to refer to genital pain that occurs before, during, or after sex. It’s very common and affects 75 percent of the female population at some point in their lives.
Dyspareunia is the medical term used to refer to genital pain that occurs before, during, or after sex. It’s very common and affects 75 percent of the female population at some point in their lives.
Painful sex can affect body image, relationships, and even plans to conceive. In some cases, dyspareunia can make a person avoid sex entirely.
While it’s usually possible to determine what causes sex to be painful, some people are reluctant to talk about it with their health care providers.
Symptoms of painful intercourse can include:
Painful sex can be different for each person. Some people feel vaginal pain after penetration, while others feel discomfort upon any genital contact. Some people experience painful sex only after menopause.
Pain can occur:
Some people have painless sex but then experience pain afterward. Others feel pain during sex, daily activities, and/or while urinating.
Some of the most common causes of painful sex include:
Other causes of pain when having sex include:
Treatment for painful sex will depend entirely on its cause. After the cause of the discomfort is discovered, a health care provider should be able to recommend appropriate treatment to make sex pleasurable again.
Communication is an important factor in every relationship, and it can be helpful to talk to your partner about any discomfort you’re experiencing. Repeatedly trying to have sex while in pain can lead to emotional repercussions and negative associations in the future. Discussing what you’re feeling with your partner can take a big weight off your shoulders.
Depending on what is causing sex to be painful, a health care provider may prescribe different medications. The medications commonly used to relieve painful sex include:
If discomfort is caused by insufficient lubrication, it can be helpful to spend more time on foreplay and use lubricant. This is often enough to make intercourse stop hurting.
Keep in mind that oil-based lubricants can damage condoms and make them ineffective. It’s best to use water-based lubricants with condoms.
People who are experiencing allergic dermatitis can switch to unscented products and wear cotton underwear to help the skin heal.
If painful sex is only an occasional experience without any other symptoms, certain sexual positions or deep penetration may be the cause of the issue. Gentler intercourse and a change of positions can be helpful.
You shouldn’t try to diagnose the cause of your dyspareunia yourself or self-medicate. Douching can also irritate the vagina and lead to infections.
Gynecological check-ups are recommended for women who are over 21 years old or sexually active, whether or not they’re experiencing dyspareunia.
A health care provider can help diagnose the cause behind pain during sex, order diagnostic procedures, and prescribe treatment.
Some conditions, such as severe endometriosis or ovarian cysts, can require surgical procedures. Pelvic floor physical therapy can also be recommended in certain cases.
If dyspareunia is caused by past traumatic experiences or other emotional circumstances, a health care provider can offer a referral to a certified sex therapist. Different types of approaches, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, can be helpful in managing pain during sex.
While treating painful sex can require dedication and time, it is possible to overcome it and enjoy pleasurable sex again.