Pain During Sexual Intercourse
Pain during sexual intercourse is called dyspareunia. It can be caused by physical, psychological or a combination of both.
Physical causes:
- Anatomical causes: Pain during sexual intercourse may occur after the first sexual experience in which the hymen is broken, vaginal stenosis, postpartum stitches not healing and some surgical interventions applied to the vagina.
- Infections: Fungal infections, bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause pain in the vagina and vulva.
- Vaginal dryness: This is one of the most common causes. It is often experienced during breastfeeding and menopause when not enough estrogen is secreted. Some medications such as antidepressants and vaginal infections can cause vaginal dryness.
- Pelvic pain syndromes: Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause pain in the lower abdomen and lower abdomen, which can also increase during intercourse.
- Vulvodynia: A condition characterized by chronic pain in the vulva (external genitalia).
- Spasms of the pelvic floor muscles: When these muscles contract involuntarily, it can cause pain during intercourse.
Psychological causes:
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during intercourse.
- Concerns about sexual intercourse: Worries about sexual performance or fear of inadequacy can also cause pain.
- Poor body image: Problems with body image can lead to shame and lack of self-confidence during intercourse, which can cause pain.
- Depression: Depression can lead to a lack of libido and arousal, which can cause pain during intercourse.
- Traumatic sexual experiences: Experiencing sexual abuse or trauma in the past can lead to painful intercourse.
Causes related to sexual intercourse:
- Inadequate foreplay: Insufficient stimulation can lead to vaginal dryness and pain.
- Inappropriate positions: Some positions can cause more pain than others.
- Rough behavior: Rough or rough movements can cause pain and injury.
In case of painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), a gynecologist check-up is necessary. During this gynecological check-up, the cause of your pain can be determined and an appropriate treatment protocol can be recommended. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
To prevent painful sexual intercourse:
Adequate foreplay before intercourse; do not have intercourse without foreplay as it will cause an increase in vaginal secretions in the woman
Use lubricant.
Try different positions.
Talk and communicate with your partner about sexuality and determine in which situation the pain increases or decreases.
Manage stress, anxiety and relationship anxiety well.
Talk to a therapist if necessary.
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is not a fate. It can be treated. After the gynecological examination and the pain scale interrogations we apply for sexual health, we find solutions to both your physical and psychological problems in a short time.
