Do you go through a constant pain during lovemaking? Is the experience turning out to be painful rather than ensuring pleasure? Almost 60 percent of the women these days would say ‘yes’ in the answer of these questions. Most of the women would find it difficult to admit facing it, but almost everyone of you experiences it at least once in the lifetime. Dyspareunia is the medical term used for painful sexual intercourse.
The pain during a sexual intercourse is considered normal. But if it happens every time you indulge in a sexual activity then it is a matter of immediate medical attention. The pain can occur before or during the sexual act and even post intercourse.
Under what conditions does dyspareunia occur?
Dyspereunia may take place both due to psychological as well as physical factors. The following reasons are the most prevalent causes:
1. Lack of arousal
Every time a woman gets aroused during intercourse there is a secretion of fluid in the vaginal region. This keeps the lining surrounding the vagina well lubricated. Lack of lubrication may lead to painful penetration. The other factors contributing to this are depression,
guilt, lack of the interest in the partner, sexual abuse in the past or fear of getting pregnant. Any woman passively submitting to the partner’s desires under such conditions might go through extreme pain.
2. Vaginismus
It basically refers to your vagina’s response toward penetration. A woman goes through involuntary spasms of vaginal muscles when her vagina is penetrated. These spasms cause contractions and result in pain if penetration is forced.
3. Vaginal dryness
It could happen because of either insufficient stimulation, menopause or anxiety. As a result, the vagina does not get properly lubricated. The friction caused under such situation may even cause tearing of the vaginal lining and post intercourse bleeding.
4. Vaginal irritation
Using products like condoms, gels, creams, vaginal deodorant sprays can irritate the vaginal mucosa. This may lead to pain during the sexual act.
5. Vaginal tightness
If you are not fully relaxed or the hymen is still intact then it may lead to painful penetration. This is a general scenario during the first few times.
6. Chronic pelvic pain
This is experienced during deep and thrusting penetration. Any of the factors like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroid tumors and pelvis inflammation may result in this pain.
7. Vulvodynia
In this condition, the outer part of the vagina or vulva is so sensitive that a mild touch can result in an excruciating pain. It is characterized by painful, burning sensation in the vaginal and vulva region.
8. Vaginal infections and diseases
If you are carrying any sexually transmitted disease then pain is unavoidable. It may result in the persistence of dyspereunia for a much longer time. Other vaginal infections like yeast infection, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes are the common causes of pain.
9. Pain in the clitoris
Being the most sensitive part of the female genetilia, clitoris generally causes pain during sexual activity. Poor hygiene may be one of the reasons behind it.
10. Menopause
Menopause and post-menopause is often characterized by vaginal dryness. This condition can be counteracted with the help of lubricants.
How to deal with the pain
Consult your doctor immediately in case any infection or disease is suspected. They are generally characterized by persistent pain and inflammation in the vaginal region. The other possible remedies you can look out for are:
1. Be frank with your partner about any discomfort during the sexual activity. Don’t let him have a forced penetration. It may lead to damage of the vaginal areas.
2. Maintain good hygiene to avoid infections.
3. Bladder infections may result in pelvic pain. So urinate immediately after intercourse to avoid it.
4. Wait till full sexual arousal is attained. Natural lubrication is recommended but lubricants can also be utilized for easy penetration.
5. Be generous with foreplay to achieve full sexual arousal and natural lubrication.
6. If vaginal dryness is due to psychological factors, then consult a professional for help.
7. Most important of all, do not to indulge in any kind of sexual activity if you are diagnosed with any sexually transmitted disease.
8. Do not ignore pain in any region of your body prevailing for a long period every time you indulge in intercourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Do men get affected by intercourse pain?
Yes, ailments like eczema and psoriasis results in pain in men during sexual acts. Other reasons can be too much thrush or peyronies disease causing the penis to bend.
2. Does dyspereunia have psychological effects?
Yes, if you submit to your partner’s need passively and going through constant pain, then it may lead to frustration and depression. The inability to satisfy your partner may lead to unpleasant results like stressful relationships.
3. Are the lubricants available in the market safe to use?
Lubricants should only be used in the case of a persistent vaginal dryness. Sometimes they may lead to vaginal infections. So a doctor should be consulted before using any lubricant.
4. How to avoid pain during the first few times?
Pain is inevitable in almost every case because the hymen might be intact. It is advisable to be active during intercourse by doing the penetration and thrusting by yourself. Insert the penis by yourself and do not continue if you feel even the least amount of pain.