When the sex just hurts too much

When it’s time to get sexual, many couples spend a lot of time with foreplay – kissing, caressing, oral stimulation– but intercourse is considered the main event.

A quick glance at a typical episode of heterosexual pornography and the actress will give the impression that intercourse is the greatest possible experience – complete with all the requisite facial expressions and sound effects.

Unfortunately, for many women, intercourse is not very enjoyable. In fact, it can be very painful. Also called dyspareunia, painful intercourse can be described as any discomfort or pain that occurs in the labia, vagina, or pelvic area during or immediately after sexual intercourse.

There are many causes of painful intercourse. Some of them are simple enough to treat, while others may require a visit to the gynaecologist, even surgery.

Unfortunately most women are familiar with some form of pain during intercourse, especially when they have their first sexual experience. What are some of the causes of painful intercourse?

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Some sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes present painful intercourse as a symptom. They cause irritation and create immense pain during intercourse. Visit your doctor if you have any of these infections because left untreated, they can cause even greater pain and long-term difficulties.

Vaginal Dryness

If the vagina is not moist during intercourse, it can cause tearing and increase the pain and discomfort. Post-menopausal women experience vagina dryness. This can be treated by applying a water-based lubricant.

Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI may irritate and inflame the sensitive tissues in the urinary tract, and it also affects the vagina walls. The vagina can feel like it is burning during a UTI. Visit your physician to treat.

Fibroids/Endometriosis

Massive fibroids and endometriosis have caused many women great pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Some women have complained about a feeling that something is being ‘bumped’ during intercourse. With endometriosis, a tearing sensation is among some of the most popular descriptions. These issues are also treatable, but they require a great deal of support from medical professionals, sometimes including surgery.

Many women experience painful intercourse, and they don’t see it as a bad thing because it is expected. Fortunately, most of these symptoms are treatable and relief is possible. So visit your doctor if you are experiencing pain during intercourse.

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