Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia) :What Should You Do

What is Pain During Sex

Pain during the sex, also known as dyspareunia is a medical condition that describes all types of sexual pain experienced by a woman. Sexual pain may be experienced while penetration, during the intercourse of after the intercourse. It can be persistent or recurrent. It can occur anywhere in the female genital area. It may be superficial or deep.

Pain During Sex

Pain During Sex

At some point of time, almost every woman experience Dyspareunia. Pain during sex not only hampers your sex life, but also relationship with your partner. Its management is very important to help your sex life as well as your intimacy.

The cause of pain during sex differs depending on whether it occurs in the entry of the penis or with the deep thrusting of the penis. Emotional factors may also be associated with it.

What are the Common Causes of Pain During Sex:

1.Insufficient lubrication- Most common reason for insufficient lubrication is lack of insufficient foreplay. In women foreplay plays a very important role in lubricating her vagina and making the insertion comfortable and pleasurable. In the absence of foreplay there is insufficient lubrication that causes pain while sex.

Causes of Pain During Sex

Causes of Pain During Sex

Other factors contributing to insufficient lubrication are childbirth, menopause, and breastfeeding. They result in a drop of the Estrogen hormone level. Medicines such as antihistamines, sedatives, birth control pills, Antihypertensive drugs, and antidepressants also decreases lubrication making sex painful.

2.Increased sensitivity- One of the most common causes of a pain during sex is increased sensitivity of the genital area. This may follow an injury or Trauma from an accident, childbirth or pelvic surgery.

3.Infections- Vaginal fungal infection, inflammation, eczema or other skin problems such as genital herpes may also make penetration painful.

4.Radiotherapy – It causes scarring and makes vagina shorter and less elastic.

5.Vaginal agenesis- It is a condition where the vagina is not fully formed. This condition is, however, very rare.

6.Other possible conditions- diseases like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Vaginismus, uterine prolapse, urine infection etc..

7. The psycological factors- Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and sexual abuse may also be potential causes.

What is the Treatment of Pain During Sex

Treatment of pain during sex depends on the underlying cause. For example, in the case of infections doctor may suggest antibiotics. The doctor may ask you to substitute medications that you are taking which are known to cause the lubrication problem.

Treatment of Pain During Sex

Treatment of Pain During Sex

Topical estrogen is applied directly to the vagina of postmenopausal women to solve the problem of inadequate lubrication. Also, drugs like Osphena may be suggested to treat Dyspareunia in women with inadequate lubrication of the vagina.

There are various vaginal relaxation exercises that may help to decrease the pain during intercourse. Psychological counselling and sex therapy also plays an important role in the treatment of Dyspareunia.

What are the Changes in your Sex Routine, you need to make to Treat Pain During Sex

More than any doctor you and your partner play an important role in minimizing the pain.

You Just Need to Make a Few Changes in your Sex Routine:

First of all, talk to your partner about the issue you are facing instead of being a silent sufferer. A healthy relationship is very important for a successful sexual life. You both should have respect and love for each other.

Ask your partner for giving more time to foreplay to stimulate your sexual desires. You should talk to him about your likes and dislikes openly and tell him what actions arouse you more.

Treat Pain During Sex

Treat Pain During Sex

Try other positions as changing positions are found helpful by many women. Being on the top of your partner during sex gives you more control and you can easily regulate the penetration up to the depth you are comfortable with.

What are the Home Remedies for Pain During Sex

1.Yoga- Try a five-minute yoga session before intercourse. It will include the stretching that will provide physical relaxation. Practice yoga regularly to strengthen vaginal muscles. It will remove unnecessary tightness that causes the pain. It also reduces stress and boosts self-confidence.

Yoga

Yoga

2.Using natural lubrication- You may use coconut oil or vaseline petroleum jelly for lubrication. In the case of vaginal inflammation or yeast infection apply essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, jojoba oil after dilution it with the three-fourth quantity of carrier oil such as almond oil or coconut oil. Washing your vagina with curd and diluted apple cider vinegar also helps.

Using natural lubrication

Using natural lubrication

3.Drinking lots of water- Eat green leafy vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates and avoiding spicy and processed foods.
If you experience pain during sex, first of all, do not feel ashamed or shy. It is a very common problem of females. Try the above tips and consult your doctor to rule out and treat underlying causes.

Drinking lots of water

Drinking lots of water

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.