How to Reduce Pain During Intercourse and When to Visit a Doctor
Pain during intercourse can make intimacy uncomfortable, and this can cause you to worry about what is going on. A few women have a burning sensation close to the vaginal opening, whereas others experience pain further in the pelvis. The pain may occur from time to time or develop into a persistent issue that undermines self-confidence and relationships.
You shouldn't have to accept the fact that pain during intercourse-which is medically termed dyspareunia- is normal. Possible causes include vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, infections and problems with the pelvic floor muscles. First, figure out the cause.
Key Takeaways
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What causes pain when having intercourse?
The place where the pain is and the way it feels may indicate what is causing it.
Vaginal dryness: The vagina has a natural moisture which reduces friction when having sex. If there is not enough lubrication, penetration may lead to soreness, a burning sensation or irritation. This can occur because there is not enough time to become aroused, but it can also be caused by hormonal changes.
Menopause and hormonal changes: Oestrogen helps keep vaginal tissues thick, elastic, and moist. When oestrogen levels drop as a result of menopause, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and drier. The same kind of changes can happen during breastfeeding or as a consequence of some cancer treatments. Due to this, sexual intercourse can become painful even if it had previously been comfortable.
Infections and irritation may result from vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections and various skin conditions, with symptoms including inflammation, itching, discharge or pain; scented intimate washes, perfumed soaps and douching of the vagina can also irritate the sensitive tissues.
Pelvic floor muscle tension: The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs; when they contract spontaneously or become hard to relax, penetration may feel painful or difficult.
Pelvic disorders: Pain experienced deep in the pelvis can be linked to disorders such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease and needs to be subject to medical evaluation rather than being treated merely with lubricants.
Simple Ways to Make Intercourse More Comfortable
If the discomfort is due to dryness or friction, then some adjustments might be of assistance. But if the pain continues, it should be properly assessed.
Choose an appropriate lubricant: Lubricants based on water or silicone can help to reduce friction during intercourse, but if you are using latex condoms, you should avoid those which are based on oil since they can damage the latex.
Give yourself more time to become aroused: going straight to penetration can lead to increased discomfort. If you take time to touch and engage in other kinds of intimacy, your body may produce more natural lubrication.
Talk to your partner: make it clear what makes you feel uncomfortable and when you need to reduce the intensity or halt the activity. Intimacy must not include suffering.
Switch to another position: a few positions let you control both the depth and the speed of penetration, and this might be of assistance if you are experiencing more intense pelvic pain.
Do not use irritating products: When dealing with the external genital area, it is best to use mild, unscented products. Do not practice douching and avoid using regular body lotions or creams in the vagina.
When an activity starts to cause pain, you should stop instead of forcing yourself to continue. Continuing repeatedly even when it is uncomfortable can increase muscle tension and make subsequent attempts harder.
At what stage is treatment with vaginal oestrogen considered?
If pain is associated with low oestrogen levels, especially during or after menopause, a doctor might suggest vaginal oestrogen. The treatment has the effect of improving the condition of the vaginal tissues and can help to reduce dryness, irritation and pain experienced during intercourse.
Premarin Vaginal Cream contains conjugated estrogens, which are a type of mixture of oestrogen hormones used in the treatment of certain symptoms caused by low oestrogen levels; it can be prescribed to suitable patients who have vaginal changes linked to menopause.
Vaginal oestrogen isn't appropriate for everybody. A doctor should look over your medical history, especially any previous cases of breast or other hormone-sensitive cancers, or of unexplained vaginal bleeding or blood clots, before suggesting the treatment. It is not advisable to begin hormone treatment without first obtaining medical advice.
For some women, lubricants and vaginal moisturisers will be enough, but for others, prescribed treatment or further investigation will be necessary.
When Is the Time to See a Doctor?
Discomfort from time to time might be relieved by the use of lubricant or by making some changes to sexual activity. But if the pain continues to return, lasts for several weeks or hinders your ability to enjoy intimacy, you should book an appointment with a doctor.
Seek medical advice sooner if you experience:
Bleeding during or after intercourse, particularly after menopause
Unusual vaginal discharge, a strong odour, itching or burning
Pain or burning when urinating
Persistent pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Pain that is becoming more frequent or severe
Sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially with heavy bleeding, fever, fainting or possible pregnancy, needs urgent medical assessment.
Your doctor might ask where the pain is, when it began, and whether you have any other symptoms. On the basis of your medical history and examination, a vaginal swab or an ultrasound could be suggested. If you are honest about your symptoms, it will be easier to find the cause and prevent unnecessary treatment.
Conclusion
There are a number of possible reasons why a woman might experience pain during intercourse, and the treatment which is effective for one woman may not be appropriate for another. Although simple remedies can relieve discomfort caused by dryness, persistent pain should not be ignored.
Whatever the cause of the pain-whether it's hormonal, muscular, infectious, or due to another pelvic condition-help is available. By talking to a gynaecologist, you can find out what is causing the pain and identify a method that makes intimacy more comfortable.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance based on your symptoms and medical history.
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