Pleasure is one of the most significant benefits of sex. However, a lot of women report that they experience pain instead of pleasure. The reality is that this can cause certain problems in relationships and marriages. Pain during sex (dyspareunia) means constant or periodic pain in the genitals before, during, or after sexual intercourse. In this article, we gathered 10 causes of painful sexual intercourse you shouldn’t neglect.
Just dealt with a hip injury, or knee injury and any attempt of calorie burn (even sexual intercourse) is hurting you? It might be more serious than you imagine, and you shouldn’t even cross out surgery for a better recovery. You can read more on knee surgery, how it works, and recovery time.
1. Lack of lubrication
Lack of lubrication that can be caused by insufficient foreplay can lead to pain during sex. One more cause is a drop in the estrogen level that may occur after childbirth or menopause. Moreover, there are certain medications that can impact your sexual desire that results in poor lubrication. These medications may include antidepressants, medications used to control high blood pressure, antihistamines, and some birth control pills.
2. Certain diseases
There are many diseases of reproductive organs and urinary tract that can cause painful sensations during sex. The most common of them are uterine fibroids, P.I.D, endometriosis, PCOS, and cystitis.
3. Skin issues, inflammation, or infections
An infection or a foreign body in the genital tract or urinary system can lead to painful sensations during sex. Moreover, certain skin problems and inflammation in the genital area or urinary tract can cause severe pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition in which vaginal muscles involuntary contract and this may cause severe pain during intercourse. Moreover, a woman with vaginismus can get injured because of harsh penetrations. This condition can also occur in a woman that has a fear of sex.
5. Congenital malformations
Pain during sex can also be caused by certain congenital malformations of a girl’s vagina. The condition that is called vaginal agenesis mensa the absence of a fully formed and well-developed vagina. This may also include the development or formation of an unperforated hymen that blocks the vaginal opening. These disorders can also lead to painful sensations during intercourse.
6. Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a condition in with women experience severe pain in the vulva. In most cases, it affects several areas at a time but sometimes it can affect only one area. Ther is no known cause of vulvodynia and therefore there is no treatment. Women with vulvodynia can experience severe pain that occurs because of deep penetration.
7. Irritation or injury
Injuries and irritation of genital organs can also cause painful sensations during intercourse. These conditions may occur as a result of an accident, genital surgery, or an incision made during childbirth. Such incision can be performed to enlarge the birth canal when the child can’t pass through it.
8. Surgery or medical treatments
There are certain injuries that can occur during surgery that can cause scars on the vaginal tissues. These scars can make penetration painful. Moreover, the consequences of a hysterectomy can also lead to severe pain during sex. Some radical methods of treating certain diseases like cancer include chemotherapy and radiation and lead to changes that make sex almost unbearable for some women.
9. Psychological issues
Certain psychological issues like anxiety, depression, fear of sexual intimacy, and concerns about one’s appearance can decrease a woman’s ability to enjoy sex. Moreover, problems in relationships can also impact a woman’s desire to have sex and it can result in poor arousal and the penetration may cause pain and discomfort.
10. Stress
Stress can be an important factor in sexual relations. If a woman experiences severe stress, the body muscles react to this situation with tension. Vaginal muscles can also contract and the penetrations during sex will bring a lot of pain.