6 Reasons Women Experience Painful Sex
There’s nothing that will kill the mood quicker than feeling pain when you’re in the midst of an intimate moment. Pain during sex is more common than you may think, though.
Often, pain associated with sex is temporary and the problem will go away with time. Sometimes, though, it’s more serious and needs to be diagnosed by a professional.
If you’re a woman, here’s what you should know about painful sex.
6 Possible Causes of Painful Sex
There are several reasons for why you may experience pain during sex. Some pain is easily avoidable, while other times it may indicated a bigger health issue. If you are concerned about experiencing pain during sex, talk to your obstetrician/gynecologist about this issue.
Some possible causes of painful sex include:
1. Not Enough Lubricant
Being too dry is a very common reason for feeling pain during sex. If your body doesn’t lubricate enough naturally, or if you’re not relaxed or aroused to the point where the lubrication occurs naturally, you may be too dry to have sex. Additionally, menopause can contribute to lack of lubrication.
It can take women a lot longer to get aroused compared to men, which means the lubrication may be slow to come. Give yourself time to warm up with your partner and engage in foreplay for a bit beforehand to trigger your natural lubrication. Avoid the shower or bathtub, too. You may think that water will make you more lubricated, but it can actually dry up secretions.
2. You’re Extra Stressed or Anxious
Life gets busy and stress creeps in no matter how much you try to quell the anxiety. Relaxation is a big part of being able to enjoy sex. Before you get intimate, wind down with whatever works for you: yoga, a massage, deep breathing, etc. When you have sex while still being stressed out or worried about something, you’re less likely to enjoy it and more likely to experience pain or discomfort.
3. You Have an Infection
Certain vaginal infections, like herpes or yeast infections, can cause pain during sex. You may not even know you have an infection, which is why it’s so important to visit a doctor if you have persistent pain during sex.
Some infections don't have any glaring symptoms but can still cause minor changes in the body that can lead to pain during sex. Fortunately, most vaginal infections are easy to diagnose and cure, so a trip to your doctor and following their directions is all you need to start enjoying sex again.
4. It’s a Bad Fit
Some men are too big for a woman’s vagina, which can be incredibly uncomfortable or painful. Lube can help in these situations, but when the penis hits the cervix, the woman can feel a lot of pain during and after sex. It may help to switch positions to where the woman is on top – that way she has more control over how deep the penis goes. You can also ask your partner to go slower or be more gentle.
5. You Have Endometriosis
This condition isn’t very common and you’ll need to visit your doctor if it occurs. Endometriosis takes place when the uterus-lining tissue grows in others areas of the body. Only about 7% of women have this problem, but it can make intercourse so painful that sex can’t even be tolerated anymore. Often, this condition requires surgery. If you have extra painful periods or endometriosis runs in your family, you should visit a doctor.
6. You’re Going Through Menopause
Menopause can cause sex to be painful, and not just because the body’s natural lubricants slow down. The vagina and vulva can become extra sensitive during menopause, making it difficult to enjoy sex in the ways you typically have. These changes can last after menopause, too. Depending on your specific problem, your doctor may know exactly how to treat you.
See Your OB/GYN
For a lot of women, sex isn’t as pleasurable as it should be. Knowing the common causes of painful sex can help you to figure out what the problem is. Or, it can point you to a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Pain during sex is common, but that doesn’t mean you must live with it! Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
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