5 Common Causes of Pain During Sex
Are you experiencing painful sex? You’re not alone. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after intercourse affects as many as 45% of menopausal and post-menopausal women in the United States. The medical term for this painful sex is dyspareunia.
Your first step to relieving the pain you are experiencing during intercourse is to learn what is causing it. Depending on the cause, there are things you can do to alleviate the discomfort. Here are five common causes of painful sex:
1. Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common cause of painful sex that affects millions of women of all ages. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, it’s essential to discuss it with your doctor. The effects of vaginal dryness can vary among women, ranging from minor to painful intercourse. Vaginal dryness can occur as a result of several things including, but not limited to:
- Menopause
- Cancer treatment
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Certain Medications
- Childbirth
- Breast-feeding
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness due to any of these causes, declining estrogen levels may be to blame. Vaginal dryness typically occurs when estrogen declines, affecting the amount or consistency of vaginal moisture.
If vaginal dryness is causing painful sex, try Replens™ Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant. It is a premium silicone lubricant that lubricates to help enhance the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activity. Just apply a small amount of Replens Silky Smooth lubricant where additional lubrication is desired before or during sex.
If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort due to vaginal dryness, try Replens™ Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer. Replens Long-Lasting Moisturizer delivers moisture for up to 3 days, allowing you the freedom to be spontaneous at any time. It provides immediate alleviation of dryness symptoms, leaving vaginal tissues hydrated and rejuvenated.
2. Vaginal Infections
If vaginal dryness isn’t the issue, it might be time to visit your doctor to rule out any potential infections. Two common vaginal infections that could be causing pain during sex include yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. The more common of the two is bacterial vaginosis.
Signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV) may include a thin white or gray vaginal discharge, a bothersome “fishy odor”, itching, burning, and in some cases, painful sex. On the other hand, yeast infection symptoms may include a thick white vaginal discharge, itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva, and possibly painful sex.
If you are experiencing discomfort during intercourse that may be due to a vaginal infection, you should see your doctor.
3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Beyond vaginal dryness and vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could be causing painful sex. Genital warts, herpes sores, or other STDs could be to blame.
Regular testing is essential, especially if you’re sexually active, even without symptoms, as some STDs can be challenging to detect and may lead to severe complications if left untreated. Your doctor can assess whether an STD is contributing to your discomfort and provide appropriate treatment.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
If your doctor has ruled out infections, STDs, and vaginal dryness, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also be a cause of pain during sex. PID is an infection that affects the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If left untreated, it can lead to scar tissue and abscess formation, causing permanent damage.
While pain during sex is a common symptom of PID, the symptoms can vary, ranging from subtle to mild, with some women experiencing no symptoms at all. Most cases of PID are caused by a bacterial infection spreading from the vagina or cervix to higher reproductive organs. Various bacteria strains can trigger PID, with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea being common culprits.
For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment see your doctor.
5. Vaginismus
A fifth possible cause for your painful sex may be vaginismus. Vaginismus, also known as pelvic floor dysfunction, is a sexual health condition that involves involuntary muscle spasms in the vagina, causing pain during intercourse.
Often triggered by fear of vaginal penetration, vaginismus can manifest even in individuals who previously experienced painless penetrative sex. Despite its impact on intercourse, vaginismus doesn’t necessarily affect arousal or enjoyment of other sexual activities.
Potential causes of vaginismus include past sexual trauma, mental health factors, physical pain response, and anxiety related to intercourse. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. They may include Kegel exercises, vaginal dilators, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), local anesthesia, and cone-shaped inserts.
If painful sex is a concern, vaginismus could be a contributing factor. Seeking medical advice is recommended for proper diagnosis and exploring available treatment options.
How Do I Stop Sex from Hurting?
Seeking medical advice from an ob-gyn or other health care professional is crucial if you are experiencing ongoing pain during sex, as there could be additional causes beyond what we’ve covered here. However, there are also self-help measures you can explore to help relieve pain during sex:
- Use a lubricant: If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, try Replens™ Silky Smooth Personal Lubricant, or Replens™ Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer to replenish internal vaginal moisture.
- Slow down: Longer foreplay can help stimulate your natural lubrication.
- Schedule time for sex: Designate specific times for sexual activity when both you and your partner are relaxed and present.
- Communicate: Openly discuss pain points and preferences with your partner to ensure a comfortable experience
- Explore other activities: Explore non-penetrative sexual activities or try non-sexual activities like massage to enhance intimacy and pleasure.
By taking proactive steps and embracing these strategies, you can move closer to enjoying a fulfilling sexual experience.
The content provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The Vibrant Voice Ambassador’s mission is to collect interesting stories and useful articles that are relevant for mature women. Our goal is to help you maintain an active lifestyle - to Fifty and Beyond!
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