Causes of pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

Pain during intercourse impacts both physical and emotional well-being by affecting  relationships and quality of life. Both women and men can experience this distressing and uncomfortable common condition. happens to an individual at any point in life

Understanding the causes of this condition is crucial in finding appropriate treatment and relief. In this blog section, we will delve into the common causes of pain during intercourse, symptoms and treatment options available.

What is dyspareunia?

Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe persistent pain experienced during sexual intercourse. Various factors, such as physical issues, psychological factors, or a combination of both, can cause it. Common symptoms include sharp or burning pain in the genital area, muscle spasms, or discomfort during penetration. Seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of dyspareunia to improve sexual health and overall well-being.

Symptoms of dyspareunia 

• sharp or burning pain in the genital area
• discomfort deep within the pelvis
• aching sensations during or after intercourse
• Some individuals may experience pain with specific movements or positions
• The persistent feeling of soreness that lingers even after sexual activity has ceased.
• Women may face pain during tampon use 
• Pain may occur during intercourse with specific partners or circumstances

It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider if experiencing any of these symptoms to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options for managing dyspareunia effectively.

Causes of Pain During Intercourse

Entry Pain

Entry pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced at the entry point of the vagina during penetration. 

Lack of lubrication:

Insufficient natural lubrication or inadequate use of artificial lubricants can lead to friction and irritation during penetration, resulting in entry pain.

Vaginal infections: 

Infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can cause inflammation and sensitivity in the vaginal area, leading to discomfort during intercourse.

Vaginal muscle spasms: 

Conditions like vaginismus, where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily contract, can make penetration painful and challenging.

Deep Pain

Deep pain is characterised by discomfort, or sharp pain felt more profound within the pelvis or abdomen during intercourse. 

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus; endometriosis can cause deep pelvic pain during sex.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system that can cause excruciating sexual activity and severe pelvic pain. 

Uterine fibroids

Non-cancerous growths in the uterus, known as fibroids, may cause pressure and pain during sexual activity.

Emotional Factors

Emotional factors play a significant role in experiencing pain during intercourse. Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, past traumatic experiences, or relationship problems can impact a person’s ability to relax and enjoy sexual intimacy. Some emotional factors contributing to painful sex include

Fear/anxiety

Fear or anxiety related to sex and physical appearance can result in Insufficient arousal before penetration that can result in inadequate vaginal lubrication, making sex painful for individuals.

History of sexual trauma

If an individual is Sexually abused in the past, this may play a role in your pain during intercourse 

Relationship conflicts

Lack of intimacy and conflict in the relationship can end in a low level of arousal before penetration and result in pain during sex.

When to Seek Professional Help for Dyspareunia

If you are consistently experiencing pain during sex, regardless of the cause, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, seeking help from a healthcare professional is crucial if the pain is severe, worsening over time, accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding or discharge, or if it interferes with your daily activities and relationships.

Treatments for Dyspareunia

1. Medical Interventions: Depending on the cause of dyspareunia, healthcare providers may recommend medications such as topical oestrogen creams for vaginal dryness or antibiotics for infections.

2. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address muscle tension or weakness in the pelvic region that may be contributing to pain during intercourse.

3. Counselling: For individuals experiencing dyspareunia due to psychological factors like anxiety or trauma, attending therapy sessions with a mental health professional can be beneficial.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle modifications such as practising relaxation techniques, using lubricants during intercourse, and communicating openly with your partner about your needs can also help alleviate dyspareunia symptoms.

5. Surgical Options: In cases where structural issues like endometriosis or scarring cause dyspareunia, surgical interventions are the treatment options.

Takeaway

Pain during sex may be a considerable discomfort physically and emotionally. Continuing intercourse with pain without consulting a sexologist or gynaecologist can damage the penis and vagina. Don’t be embarrassed to consult with a healthcare provider, as you may end up with a loss of intimacy.